Little Did I Know

Bring on the Craft...

2012-02-13T21:43:00.006-06:00

I've been hooked.

I knew it was only a matter of time.

But I put it off and put it off, and finally, well... I tried Pinterest...

...and the rest as they say... is history.

So because I've found all these great ideas lately.

And because it's a holiday.

And because we are having a sweet treat day at work.

And because it's a holiday to show people how much we love and care for them.

And because those little ones living in my home need a dose of that over-the-top spotlight once in a while.

I took this past weekend to craft the heck out of the house! :)

First up... using this little masterpiece I found on clearance recently...

(It makes some honkin' big cake pops, only 7 at a time)

And four batches later we have 28 red velvet cake pops...

Next, thanks to Pinterest, some very cool and fun lollipops, using clearance candy canes, popsicle sticks, and white chocolate chips...

Then an etsy via Pinterest find... cardstock candy bar boxes! Made these for each of the kids' teachers and for the two parapros who work in my room with me...

Next up, homemade Kool Aid play dough (again thanks Pinterest). Made this for each of the students in Liam's morning class as well as the students in my class.

More treats for school... cherry chip cupcakes...

...with strawberry frosting...

...and vanilla flavored cream cheese "mints" cut into hearts to put on top of the cupcakes...

For Braeden and Liam... Pinterest inspired homemade glow in the dark SLIME...

And a necklace for Olivia.

The table is all ready for the kids breakfast. Thanks to a 60 cent strand of heart lights from the thrift store, a book for each from the 75% off table at B&N, a $1 box of chocolates, and their homemade gifts... we are READY!

Great Night

2012-02-08T07:44:00.003-06:00

We had a great night for Braeden's birthday.

The birthday boy chose BBQ wings, sweet potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, sparkling cider, and turtle brownies for his dinner.

Liam, who just got over a week of antibiotics for an ear infection, was complaining again today about his other ear, and was needing some comfy PJs when he got home.

After a little medicine he felt much better, and we were able to get a doctor appt for today.

Everyone LOVED the chosen dinner!

Braeden got a mini Christmas tree as one of his gifts (love after holiday sales!).

Now all three kids have their own for next year!

He was SO excited!

Grammy sent a few great gifts, including a DS game that was asked for! :)

And a special set for his Skylanders game.

Mom found a few great clearance deals (again)

and Braeden LOVED this Tron racing set!

So did Olivia! :)

He took time playing each new toy!

And Liam had some birthday kisses for the birthday boy to finish us up!

A great night!

Another Celebration

2012-02-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

This time of year is birthday time around here!

But now it's Braeden's turn.

Hard to believe sometimes how quickly they really do grow up.

I swear it was just yesterday I was looking at this crazy hair

(because as a foster parent I couldn't get his hair cut without parental say so).

Braeden has always been uniquely himself.

Loving life and caring deeply for those closest to him.

Even with the rough year he had last year,

Braeden is my buddy through and through.

I can't believe you're EIGHT!

Keep being just as special as you are!

Siblings

2012-02-04T20:20:00.007-06:00

Thundercats... HO!

(Sorry... not sure what came over me! :)

Maybe it's because I've heard that nonstop the past couple of weeks!)

Braeden has become very interested in Thundercats after his discovery of them recently. I had no clue they were even on (and maybe they aren't?) - we don't have cable and rely on netflix and hulu - but they have the toys in the stores now so who knows?

Anyway, the kids don't have big parties for their birthdays. They're given parties at ages 5, 10, and 16 but that's about it. Otherwise we do some family activity usually and have cake and ice cream; often with my good friend T who also happens to be the mom of Braeden's bio brother J and sister L.

This year was no exception and since Braeden wanted a Thundercats cake,

and since stores don't carry that as an option,

I MADE their cake this year! :)

A first!

It was an ice cream cake with vanilla cake on the bottom,

a layer of birthday cake ice cream in the middle,

and frosting on the top.

And it turned out YUMMY!

Liam couldn't quite figure out how best to eat it.

They were blessed to receive a couple special gifts each and were very excited.

Liam KINDA looks up to J - in a BIG way! :)

Love how his eyes just LIGHT up around him!

My friend T and her son J.

Our "traditional" group picture.

My how they're getting so OLD!

From left to right: Braeden, J, Liam, L, Olivia

Here's an old group shot, before Liam, and with my friend J's little girl as well.

From left to right: L, A, J, Braeden, Olivia.

Thanks for the great day T and family!!!

Old School

2012-02-03T19:00:00.002-06:00

Braeden had an assignment this past week: to create a Valentine's Day box for school.

I have to say I think I outwardly and audibly groaned when I read his assignment. The ironic part? I was giving my class that exact same assignment the very next day! LOL :)

But I did my parent best. I researched ideas on Pinterest and other sites and came up with a few I thought he would like. I read about someone who said that they had made a rocket with a tube mailer and although I didn't want to find a tube mailer, I knew we had an oatmeal container so that idea was added to the list of possibilities. And it won.

So I gathered supplies.

I thought out the "best" way to do what I envisioned.

And I asked Braeden for ideas and choices along the way.

And it somehow became my project.

Oh, don't get me wrong, Braeden "helped." But I must admit I kind of obsessed over it and almost freaked out when after five days of work he started to unpeel a star sticker and place it on the tube before I asked. SAD! :( So he helped with the stickers, and gluing, and color suggestions.

And I LOVE it!!! :)

Olivia and I were bummed SHE didn't have to make a Valentine box! (She never has before either, so strange!) :)

So I proudly present to you... Braeden's creation...

(The top is hinged to pull back and drop in Valentines on the big day!)

Let's Celebrate!

2012-01-30T19:51:00.003-06:00

Liam's SIX!

I still can't believe it!

For their birthdays, the kids get to choose their own dinners.

And Liam, the unique individual he is, made some unique choices!

He opted for cheese, summer sausage, hot chips, grape soda, and brownies...

CHEERS!

Yep, it's official, the chips are HOT!

Make a wish buddy!

(Lovin' the grape soda mouth!)

And then time to open a few gifts!

Thanks for the card and money Great Grandma!

Reading Grammy's card...

And opening her gift!

Grammy, how did you know I wanted the Toy Story garbage dump!?

It was an Imaginext kind of birthday!

The "new to him" space shuttle from Olivia and Braeden...

Lightning McQueen from mom...

And a cuddly tooth fairy pillow bear...

if he ever loses that elusive first tooth!

So glad you had a great birthday Liam!

Birthday Time!

2012-01-30T00:01:00.001-06:00

Oh my how you've grown!

My little one.

My youngest child.

You're not so very little any longer.

Buddy, you amaze me with the strength you have.

All that you have gone through in your short life.

And all that you still find strength to smile about.

I'm so blessed to be your mom.

But can't you stay little just a short while longer?

Happy SIXTH birthday little man!

Lessons in Learning

2012-01-28T20:37:00.007-06:00

Many times being the mom and teacher I am, I am always wondering how and what I am teaching my kids. Are my three at home learning to be good, young Christian men and women with kind hearts? Are my students at school learning what they'll need to not only survive, but hopefully to succeed and support their families? How can I help Olivia with her struggles in Math? What do I do to hep Braeden understand that although he may not like it, school is important? What will help Liam overcome his many delays in learning?

But oftentimes I forget, or overlook, the lessons I learn from my kids themselves.

Friday was one of those learning days for me.

Liam and Olivia had neurology appointments in Chicago Friday. They weren't until the afternoon, so we stopped by a couple thrift stores in the morning, had lunch, and then went to the hospital. During this time Liam cried and screamed and slept, so I'm very glad we had the day off already! He complained mightily about his ear hurting, oh the joy. We stopped for medicine while we were out which helped some thank goodness.

This year Olivia has begun buying her own clothes. I've taught her over the years all about thrift stores, clearance racks, and buying ahead for the next season. She gets amazed at regular prices and I love seeing the bargain hunter in her emerge! :) As she heads to middle school next year I've told her for a while that we would start this winter with her purchasing her own clothes. I'm going to give her a small stipend twice a year (Feb and Aug) for clothes only and that she could buy a couple "expensive things" or work it out to have bought ahead and from thrift stores as she'd like. Since we were going to the thrift stores Friday I gave her the first stipend a week early. She did AWESOME! She scored some amazing deals! And she came out with two BIG bags of clothes for just under $50. Some of her buys: Aero jeans for $2, an Aero shirt for $2, a LEATHER duster type coat from Wet Seal for 90 CENTS. Awesome! (The sleeves really aren't longer than her hands, not sure why she pulled her hands in. But it is a TAD big and will be great next year!)

Their appointments were good, and I got some information that may be very helpful and enlightening in an area of Olivia we've wondered about for years. Can I just say I LOVE their new Neurologist!!!??? I will post more about that at another time.

On our way home from the appointments, we were headed back to the interstate. Stopped at a light with lots of traffic, a man was walking the "aisle" between cars, holding a sign asking for help or handouts as he was homeless.

As an adult, I find myself skeptical in these situations. Is he REALLY in need? What will the money REALLY be used for? And then at the same time I WANT to give him money. I think of the money we spent at lunch and how we could've made some cheaper choices and shared with him. Or how he could've spent the same on a small bag of groceries. I ponder how my choice to give or not to give affects my kids and teaches them. I wonder if they've even noticed. And yet, I have no cash, so it's really a mute point. I have nothing but a few pennies.

And then Olivia's mouth opens. And I think here it comes, she's going to ask me why I'm not giving him money. But she doesn't. Instead Olivia says, "Mom, can I give him some money?"

Her money. Not her clothing money that she was handed this morning. But the money she earned from her report card. Which she was upset with herself over because her grades weren't the greatest and she didn't get much.

As she digs it out, she says, "I just feel like I've spent so much money on myself today. I need to think of others and spend some to help him."

Ended up that by that time he was WAY far back and the light was changing, so she was unable to give him anything at all. On part of the drive home, Olivia talked on the phone to Grandma. Her conversation consisted of telling Grandma all about her day and then she said, "But there was one really bad thing." and she told of the homeless man and not being able to give him the money like she wanted.

She wasn't questioning his need.

She was SEEING a need and wanting, craving, to meet that need.

She was being God's tool in that moment.

Unfortunately she wasn't able to give him the money, but instead God used her willingness to ask and not question to teach ME. My do I have a lot to learn.

Adoption Update

2012-01-16T22:08:00.003-06:00

Some have asked where we're at in the adoption process. Well... let me see if I can fill you in...

This fall when we had some things going on personally I was waiting to be matched with a little one from Ho.ng Ko.ng. I had been "ready" to be matched since February but there just hadn't been any new little ones available. God knew what He was doing. (Doesn't He always!?) :) Fall was a very rough time for us, which ended with us grieving the loss of my father.

During that time I contacted my home study and adoption agencies and let them know that I needed to put things "on hold." I could barely function myself while still parenting and trying to keep my job, that to have even thought of adding in a new little was just something I couldn't have wrapped my mind around, let alone something that would have been good for them or us. Ironically not days into our time of turmoil, I had been emailed by my worker about a little one newly available from Ho.ng Ko.ng. Not one listing since February, and here was one just listed. It just was not meant to be.

With healing and grieving dissipating and everything leveling out once again, I've resumed discussion with my two agencies regarding taking up the process to adopt again. BUT... there have been new developments within Ho.ng Ko.ng, and they are making it almost impossible to adopt as a single parent unless the child is much older and has been waiting a while. - Let me say here that I obviously have a love for older children adoption, there is nothing wrong with that and I am not opposed to that - BUT my agency I am working with does not allow out of birth order adoptions, which means any I adopt must be under Liam's age, and there just aren't many in that realm unless they have significant physical disabilities which I wouldn't be able to tackle working full time. - There is still not a certified "no" to singles, but it looks like I could potentially be trying for a match, having a picture of a little one, falling in love with a little one, and the matching committee could very well, and most likely would, come back with a "no." I can't afford that; not in money, but especially not in emotional investment. And that's most likely what would have happened had we gone forward with that little one this fall.

So... with a heavy heart I turn away from Ho.ng Ko.ng. Those of you who have been with me since I began this journey know that this is now the second country I have worked to adopt from and been turned away from... all due to being single. It's frustrating. The first was a very short lived process, with little investment, but Ho.ng Ko.ng... We've checked out library books and studied the culture... I've read my own books and followed numerous blogs, reading back over travel to this glorious place... I've spent TIME and MONEY... a year and a half and thousands of dollars to be exact... and it's frustrating...

So... where we're at... well... my adoption agency has only two other options being a single parent... One is Russia, and with that comes a total of three trips lasting between 18 and 25 days total... something I just can't do as a single mom who works full time... and one other country... BUT, their site states that adopting from this other country means you can have no more than two adopted children ( no biological children ), and I obviously have three. My worker is currently checking into the possibility that they could get a waiver for this requirement. IF SO, then I am going to go forward with this country and hopefully most of my money put toward Ho.ng Ko.ng can be transferred to the new program. IF NOT, then I'm not sure I'm getting anywhere with the money I've invested and I will be updating my home study to be prepared in the case of a possible domestic adoption situation at some point. (NOTHING is in the works, just wanting to be ready in case).

Please join us in prayer. The kids ask almost daily when we are getting a new sister. They pray for their sister. They have been so excited for so very long, as we all have.

Winter Fun... Finally

2012-01-15T06:50:00.003-06:00

The kids have waited and waited for what finally fell from the sky Thursday night... SNOW!

They were thrilled beyond words and just could NOT wait to get out and PLAY.

Thursday night they played in our backyard,

Friday we had appointments and by the time we got home it was dark,

so Saturday was our day to SLED!

Braeden got to try out his new snowboard from Grandma... and did SO well!

Liam and Olivia shared the saucer as our tube sled was needing air

but the valve was frozen and I couldn't open it!

They had a great time and it looks like we'll be headed back today!

A fun winter's day... a long time coming!

First Semester Down... Where We're At...

2012-01-10T19:15:00.006-06:00

Some of you may be wondering what has happened with Braeden this school year. (Or maybe not!) :)

We had a VERY rough year last year... trying to find the "right" med to help his ADHD and yet keep the kind, crazy, loving, book hungry boy we knew, well, it was a nightmare basically.

Summer went very well, we got a new doctor, and things were looking up. But I was very worried still about school.

So at the beginning of this school year I created the Mondo Behavior Plan at home.

And we're now halfway through the school year, so I thought I'd shoot out an update.

Things are going well. Extremely well. So well that I hate to even post this for fear I'm going to eat my words. :)

We had a few really ROUGH weeks somewhat toward the beginning. BUT, those weeks, as I look back now, were the EXACT weeks that I was under some EXTREME stress and worry and was basically in crisis mode. As much as I worked on NOT letting the kids know there was anything going on, I am SURE Braeden picked up on the stress. He had to have. There is no other explanation. Because once that stress began to dissipate... his stickers started appearing on our chart once again. Amazing. (insert sarcasm). :)

Our mudroom is a great place to be. Awesome to look at how well things are going.

I took these pics last week and should have probably waited because I had forgotten to erase the puzzle piece portion and he has added three more stickers to his chart.

He's been weaned off almost all of the incentives. He completed two puzzles and we stopped doing those. We've stopped choosing a card after getting five stickers. I've also stopped giving him the money, although I haven't actually erased that yet and he doesn't realize it. Hopefully I can wean that without it being a big deal. The one he does NOT let me forget is spending the night in mom's room if he gets a blue! In fact he's there as I type. He LOVES that incentive which just cracks me up! FREE! I love it! Things really are going so very well!

2011 In Review

2012-01-01T08:55:00.017-06:00

January 2011

Started the year with snow a plenty for lots of sledding... which we still have yet to see this time around...

February 2011

Saw lots of work on compiling our dossier to be prepared for a match to a little girl from Hong Kong... here we were trying to get a good family photo (as you can tell it had to be redone)... :)

March 2011

Used my spring break to redo Olivia's room into a "girl's" room in preparation for our adoption (which is still underway and we're unsure at this point how it will play out)...

April 2011

Spent Easter with some very special family and friends...

May 2011

Had fun catching toads...

June 2011

Took Olivia to NYC for her special mom/daughter 10 year trip...

July 2011

Spent the 4th of July in FL...

August 2011

Soccer was fully underway with Olivia and Liam on teams this year...

September 2011

We spent a day at Great America with special friends...

October 2011

Halloween!

While also grieving Grandpa's death...

November 2011

Spent Veteran's Day doing 11 things for under $11...

December 2011

Lots of fun with friends... and looking forward to a wonderful 2012!

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T19:11:00.004-06:00

We had a very blessed Christmas together!

Our Christmas Eve tradition, started when I was very young myself, is to eat at Red Lobster before or after church. Used to that that was the only place even open, which is how we started, but it became a family tradition we grew to cherish and I've continued with my kids.

All dressed up and ready to go...

BUT, then when we went out to the car to go... it was DEAD! DEAD battery... we were going no where! So instead we had a relaxing time at home. We cooked the meal we were going to make on Christmas, stayed dressed up and set the table, and had a wonderful meal together. Then we got into Christmas jammies and watched The Best Christmas Pageant Ever before going to sleep. Ahh....

Christmas morning dawned bright and early for this tired Santa! But the kids were SUPER excited!

Gifts were well received, with Thanks all around...

Grandma was a huge hit with the Happy Nappers she sent...

The American Girl PJs and slippers...

The snowboard...

The AA ballerina ornament Olivia got, And the other special special gifts.

It was a Christmas of "recycled" gifts from myself. We have a FB page locally that is like an online garage sale, and I found some AMAZING deals, like two "new to her" American Girl dolls and clothes...

This HUGE remote control car...

A Buzz Lightyear snuggie and Butterscotch the horse...

We didn't forget to take time to wish Jesus a very Happy Birthday either. Liam kept busting out singing to Him all day long which was so cute!

And later in the day some very special friends came over with dinner and a jump for the van!

It was a VERY special and blessed day! We hope yours was too!

A Mistake

2011-12-16T17:52:00.002-06:00

Yes, I made a mistake, a BIG one, and now I'm paying the price. And oh what a price it's been.

I have never gotten a flu shot.

There, I said it. My daughter gets one each year at one of her quarterly appointments. I always figured it doesn't always cover the current "strain" anyway, so what was the point. Well let me tell you, if a simple (yes, simple, even though I DESPISE shots) shot could've prevented what I've been going through the past four days and am still knee deep in the midst of, I would've gotten ten!

Wasn't feeling great while my mom was here visiting, but more of a cold, this Monday I felt worse and had our school nurse take my temp. For most a temp of 99.5 wouldn't signify much, but I NEVER get fevers, so I KNEW something was wrong.

Tuesday I stayed home because Liam wasn't feeling well, but then I woke up and felt just yucky! Still hoped that by staying home and resting all day (we literally lay on the couch and popped movie after movie and I slept through most) would "take care of it."

By Tuesday night it was SO much worse. My throat felt like swallowing glass, my chest HURT, my body ached, my head hurt, I was back and forth feverish and chilled, and just. felt. awful. I took off Wednesday and called the doctor. I ended up having the flu, a bladder infection, and possibly strep. I started antibiotics, but the symptoms all persisted, and are still there now raging as much as then. I went back to the doctor today and basically they said wait it out. The flu is kicking my butt! It's all I can do to put food on the table for the kids and get them to and from school. And even then, Olivia did one breakfast for me. If I take three ibuprofen I feel "ok" for a while, but you can only do six in 24 hours so that doesn't leave much of a reprieve. I am PRAYING the next two days see some relief in these symptoms, and that the kids stay healthy!

And next year I WILL be getting the flu shot! IF there is even a CHANCE of bypassing this HE** I'm in, I'll do it!

Time is Closing in...

2011-12-07T19:36:00.001-06:00

Catch Up

2011-12-05T18:17:00.004-06:00

Thanksgiving was wonderful.

We were invited to a special family's celebration on Thursday and another very special friend's on Friday, making it a time of friends and thankfulness for sure.

Last week was another story! :)

While most were saying, "I can't wait until Friday this past week," I was overheard saying, "I can't wait until Monday."

This past week and weekend the dance studio Olivia takes classes from put on their Nutcracker performances. Quite a big deal in our neck of the woods. People wait for hours to get in line first to buy the "best" tickets the day they go on sale.

For most, their child is in two of the four weekend performances. Meaning they have one dress rehearsal and one tech rehearsal during the week and then the two shows.

But for students Olivia's age, they are in all four.

Which meant that that was all we did this past week after school got out each day at 3:40:

Monday: Tech Rehearsal 5-7

Tuesday: pick up costumes

Wednesday: Tech Rehearsal 5-9:30

Thursday: Dress Rehearsal 5-8:30

Friday: Performance 6-9:20

Saturday: Two Performances 2-9:20

Sunday: Performance 2-4:20

While it was EXHAUSTING, it was worth it.

The show was a huge success and Olivia had a ball!

In the midst of it all, Grandma came to visit in order to see Olivia's show. with work, the best for us was for her to come in Wednesday night while a friend gave Olivia a ride to and from her rehearsal, and leave to go back next Saturday, the 10th.

Needless to say the kids were pleasantly surprised as they had no idea!

Grandma and I went to the show Friday, the boys and I went Saturday afternoon, and Grandma stayed with the boys while I worked backstage Saturday night.

While she was with them, Braeden was "playing guitar" and hit the wall, causing our Elf on the Shelf Tom to fall from the ceiling to the floor.

She suggested he pick up Tom and Braeden began yelling, "No, the magic will disappear!" He also kept holding his forehead saying, "My mom is going to kill me!"

The next morning, Tom showed up on our kitchen counter in full recovery mode.

Braeden was glad he was going to be ok, but was beside himself with worry and guilt.

(HILARIOUS!)

The whole saga kept me in stiches.

Course I'm probably scarring him for life! :)

In between performances this weekend, we had a nice Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner with Grandma. We tried to get her to visit during the holidays but for this year she really felt like staying in FL. Maybe next year. :)

Grandma opened her gift from us which was a spinner hardside suitcase, filled with gifts (in gift bags so hopefully they'll make it through security ok) for her to open Christmas morning.

And while most of our decorations were up, the kids had not hung their ornaments, so we set about finishing that up and making the tree look amazing as usual.

Now I'm ready for a relaxing week at home.

We'll be sad to say goodbye to Grandma on Saturday, but it's been a great visit!

2011-11-18T06:59:00.004-06:00

Of course I took more than just 11 pictures last Friday. Was going to post these sooner, and it just didn't happen. :) But here are more images from our day on 11/11/11.

Love the bread flying through the air!

Trying to be serious like Abe. :)

It's cold again now... brrr!

Last night I went with friends to see Eclipse and then the new Breaking Dawn Part 1!

It was so good! I think it's the best one yet!

We had a good time, but why oh why does my body now HURT so very much?

I guess 41 just doesn't "do" lack of sleep like 21 or even 31.

When will I learn!?

Oh well, kids had no clue I was even gone and I had a great time! :)

11/11/11

2011-11-11T19:55:00.003-06:00

What a date in history! 11 / 11 / 11 - I mean, how cool is that!? :)

So... we did something fairly cool to celebrate!

Today the kids and I did 11 activities, spending under $11, and taking 11 photos along our way.

Olivia kept saying how many things we'd done and adding up how much we'd spent, too cute!

And Number ONE on our agenda, breakfast in bed! (Cost - nothing, just what we had around.)

Number TWO: dropping off an old flag to the local VFW. (Cost - nothing, total cost - nothing.)

Number THREE: a donut for each as a morning snack. (Cost - $2.85, Total - $2.85)

Number FOUR - feeding the ducks, and boy were they hungry! (Cost - $1, Total cost - $3.85)

Number FIVE - Playing at the park near the ducks. (Cost - nothing, Total cost $3.85)

Number SIX - Visiting our local history museum. (Cost - nothing, Total cost - $3.85)

Number SEVEN - Lunch! (Cost - nothing since we had a gift card!, Total cost - $3.85)

Number EIGHT - Walking through our state park. (Cost - nothing, Total cost - $3.85)

Number NINE - Buying "penny" candy at our local candy store. (Cost - $2.88, Total cost - $6.73)

Number TEN - Reading at Barnes and Noble and picking up five books I won in a raffle recently. (Cost - nothing, Total cost - $6.73)

Number ELEVEN - McDonalds to play and eat. (Cost - $4.14, Total cost - $10.87)

Liam had had enough by McDonalds and things spiraled out of control fairly quickly, hence the ONE picture that is quite blurry. :( So we left rather quickly but once home and laying down for a movie he calmed down and we had a great rest of the day too.

Day Three

2011-11-06T18:35:00.002-06:00

Braeden was warm through the night off and on, but woke up fine today. We still stayed out of the water today though and instead went through two stores, played at a HUGE play area, ate some TASTY ice cream, and then went to pick up our pottery pieces before heading home.

What can I say, the kid wanted to make a vase for flowers, he cracks me up!

Liam picked Dracula. :)

And Olivia's is a wall hanging that says "Girls Rock".

There is wire and some beads to be added to hang it with.

And I got a free 6" tile to paint but was so busy corralling and helping

that I am not happy with it, but it's ok, it was FREE! :)

And when we arrived home finally, our clocks obviously hadn't been set back yet. The kids don't know about daylight savings and now was not the time to teach them! I left the clocks as is as we are all exhausted, and they were in bed and sound asleep a full hour early! Love it!

Mwahahaha!!!!!

Day Two

2011-11-05T21:05:00.004-05:00

The tour of the hotel's vacation club program went well. The kids had fun watching a movie and hanging out while I spent an hour learning about the club. It's a great program for many, just not for me. I did walk away from the hour with two $50 cash cards, 140 tokens for the kids to use in the arcade, and a FREE 3 day / 2 night stay to come again in the next year. We will love coming back when it's hot and discovering the fun in the outdoor water parks!

So after that we hit the arcade...

painted some pottery (free with our cash card!),

went to a second indoor water park,

took a rest,

and went to the third indoor park.

Tomorrow we plan on playing in the indoor play area, getting some great ice cream, and going back to one of the water parks before we hit the road for home. Unfortunately, Braeden seemed warm to me at bedtime and of course I don't have the thermometer which I usually do bring. Hopefully sleep will help and he'll be fine. Off to bed!

Day One

2011-11-04T21:18:00.005-05:00

I decided a while back that we needed a family getaway soon. Time for just us, to forget about work and school and house and dog and just focus on a little fun and relaxation. Friends had HIGHLY recommended a waterpark hotel in the Dells, a very do-able drive from where we are and I set about researching.

Since we only had a short work day today with having parent teacher conferences last night and this morning, I thought this weekend would be perfect, and got a GREAT deal at that! I can't believe what is included in the cost. We got a marvelous two queen suite with wet bar and it is SO perfect! There are three indoor waterparks (even more outside but not the season for that, we'll definitely have to make a return trip though!) and so much more to do.

Even though we are out for a family fun weekend, I'm ever the budgeteer. We got a great deal like I said, have a fridge and microwave in the room so brought our own food, and then spent money on gas. We are ordering lunch tomorrow, buying ice cream, and doing one additional activity on site tomorrow for a small cost, but that's it. (Believe me there is SO much more we COULD do.)

I also got "suckered" in to a sales pitch in the morning for a new part of their property, but if the perks I'm supposed to get for listening, while the kids get to go to kids club and play, are real... it's SO worth it... but more on that tomorrow when I see what comes of it! :)

Morning started with the kids at a friends house while I went to the boys conferences and had some of my own. Liam is struggling in different ways and his educational program is changing. I'm not convinced that the changes that were made a week or so ago are what is best for him and we are meeting again this week, so we'll see. It's a hard place to both work and parent in the same district some time because you want badly to advocate, while knowing the people you're advocating for/against/with, and it complicates things. His conference was about what I expected in terms of his educational skills: he's very behind. But I know that, have known that all his life, but have still been so impressed by where he began and how very far he HAS come.

Braeden's... well I was very apprehensive as I wasn't sure how he's been doing lately. And it was such a breath of fresh air! He has just been thriving the past couple weeks. So happy, and helpful, and still fidgety but not as much. No defiance, No refusal, just more a "typical" second grader. And OH how I pray it continues! :)

Olivia's was last night and she's doing well. She's a great kid and still struggling with Math which I've known. A joy to have in class, though she can be chatty after a couple days of sitting in a new group (since she's had to be moved a few times!). Honestly I like that. She has a hard time making friends in new situations so it's good to hear that a couple days of getting to know someone and she's a chatty cathy! :)

The kids had NO idea we were going to the waterpark today and it was a complete surprise when I picked them up shortly after noon! They were very excited! A few hours in the car with a couple new to us DVDs ($5 for three used ones!) and we were there!

No on to the REAL reason you stop by... PICTURES!

All are sound asleep and gearing up for another great day...

Brothers...

2011-11-01T18:50:00.002-05:00

There are days when they fight like, well, like brothers. :)

And then there are days when the boys are at the after school park district program, and you find this stuck in a book bag...

Just Treats

2011-10-31T19:58:00.001-05:00

Healing

2011-10-24T19:46:00.005-05:00

We are slowly getting through. Muddling our way. Seeing light at the end of the LONG tunnel we've been in.

Prior to my leaving I kept Olivia and Braeden home from school for a day. We began the day at a local state park, looking out over a gorgeous view of our river, trees, and just God's creation. We talked about who created the beauty we saw and if He created THAT, then we could just imagine what heaven was like. We shared memories of Grandpa. And then we each let go of a heart shaped mylar balloon, sending them to the "heavens". After, we walked a bit but it was cold, and we are wimps. :)

Then we went to an indoor bounce house place to allow them to "jump out their emotion." I thought it would be especially good for Braeden. And it was. :)

Each night until I left for Florida the kids camped out in my room. It was nice to have that family time.

The soul is healed by being with children.
-- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

I went to Florida Thursday and stayed until Sunday, spending time with my mom and grieving with her. We also went to a couple movies to get out of the house a bit. She is doing as well as can be expected and I've been so proud of her and how she is handling everything.

I'm hoping she'll decide to come up this fall/winter sometime or maybe even over Christmas. She does have some great friends and neighbors who have helped her get out some as well.

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.
-- Helen Keller

We are on the path of healing. And it feels good. It was good to get back to work and routine today. The kids did so great while I was gone and it's been so good to be back with them again.

My face.book post last night was...

Oh how good it feels to see and smooch these three PRECIOUS faces... These three BLESSINGS... And to realize all the more how very LUCKY and BLESSED I am to have the PRIVILEGE to parent them...

Public

2011-10-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't noticed we're public again. We'll see how it goes...

Thanks for all of your prayers and concern!

Struggling

2011-10-17T06:05:00.002-05:00

My father passed away yesterday.

I'll be trying to go to work today, keeping the olders home with me on Tuesday, and leaving for FL Thurs-Sun.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Catching Up - Photos

2011-10-16T09:24:00.002-05:00

I hadn't wanted to post many pictures until my blog went private, and now I feel comfortable doing so again. Last week I took the week off to decompress and have a little time to not focus on work. It was much needed and so good for my soul. The week prior I was off three days and the last one of those was spent with this munchkin who hadn't been feeling well.

Luckily we've only had the "gunk": sore throats, coughs, etc and not the flu like many I know!

This past weekend we spent time with Grandma who came up to visit. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so we took advantage of the weather and our Six Flags season passes and went to Great America on Sunday. It was all set for Fright Fest which the kids haven't been to since they were very young (just the olders) so all was new to them and they were thrilled!

Liam, however, wasn't so sure of the "scary" decorations!

LOL! (Mom did spend a couple nights after this warding off zombies, but did you know they are repelled by Mom kisses?!) :)

Olivia didn't get the chance to ride any of the "cool" big kid rides this day as it was crazy packed and the lines for those were way too long. But, despite the look in the photo, she had fun riding with Liam! :)

And this one, while not a big ride guy, still had fun anyway!

Also this week we finally got our new swingset built! This was mom's big splurge on the kids with the amazing tax return we were granted this year with our adoption tax credits becoming a refund. (And that was AFTER paying OFF the van and credit cards, AND keeping some in the bank for savings!)

In this picture the slide isn't up yet, but it is now and they are loving every minute of it. That and the trampoline have proven WELL worth the money even after having them such a short time!

Tomorrow I head back to work and the routine. And I'm looking forward to it and to seeing my class again!

Borrowed from a FB Friend

2011-10-15T23:49:00.001-05:00

Cocooning Part 2

2011-10-15T23:23:00.002-05:00

If you're reading this I assume you've gotten your invitation, accepted, and are checking in to catch up.

Some of you had asked whether or not we were cocooning due to a referral of a new little one. Unfortunately, no. And due to what is happening, my agency and myself decided to put my adoption on hold. I can't fathom walking the road of an intl adoption any time in the near future, worrying about leaving my kids, traveling, bringing home an older child into a new culture, new language, and then also dealing with what we are currently dealing with.

That isn't to say I'm not still open to a fourth adoption. In fact was contacted THIS WEEK about a semi-local possibility that I'm trying to not get my hopes up for. Just the process of deciding to go forward somewhat in finding out more about this situation was enough to show me that this is something I would still consider on a case by case basis taking my children into consideration even more than I normally would.

We've had some serious things happening in our lives lately. Things that I won't go into detail about due to keeping my children's and our family's privacy. They have been life-changing to say the least and it's caused me to "defriend" approximately 400 people on FB, take this blog private, and put many other privacy "walls" in place as well. Even with this blog private, I did send invites out to some people I don't really know. People I have not over the past "talked" to, even online, and that does worry me. It's so easy now a days for someone to make up a false identity, email, etc and pretend to be who they're not. If I fear something of the sort, then unfortunately anyone I don't "know" will have to be let go.

I HATE making this blog private. I DESPISE the reason I had to do so. I WANT to be "out" there, advocating for children, talking about our experiences as a foster family, adoptive family, HIV + family, etc etc etc, but I just can't chance things. It saddens me to no end! Especially now, when I need support more than ever.

Thank you for asking to follow us on this journey. Thank you for walking our walk with us.

God is good. He has brought us down so many paths for a purpose, especially over the past 14 years which I've seen up close and personal these last few weeks.

Please pray for our family. Please keep my kids in your hearts right now. We are still struggling and most likely will continue to do so for quite some time.

Cocooning

2011-10-06T12:00:00.002-05:00

There is a lot going on in our lives right now. We are taking some time for cocooning as a family. This blog will be going private starting next week. If you'd like to continue to follow our journey, wherever that may lead, please email me at anglsamngulb at hotmail dot com and I'll send you an invite, thanks. Be sure to include your email address!

A Breath

2011-09-24T07:14:00.003-05:00

Still just busy, busy, busy, WHEW! Feels like we're barely taking a breath right now... with all three in school, homework, soccer, dance, work, one or more of us feeling sick and rundown, visiting friends, well... life is busy right now...

I leave you with a few soccer pictures...

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-09-14T20:26:00.002-05:00

It's just never ending... good, but busy...

Last weekend was Great America and out of town to a baby shower for my cousin...

... and this weekend we are spending the days with friends of ours up north. :) Can't wait! Love them!

So Not eBay

2011-09-09T21:54:00.002-05:00

Do you have local "selling" pages on Face.book? Have you heard of these or checked into them? If not I HIGHLY suggest it! Not only have I cleared out TONS of "stuff" to make way for more room and to simplify our lives, but have picked up LOTS of great deals! The kids' Christmas gifts are DONE thanks to our three local sales pages! Some amazing items!

Our newest "find" was delivered tonight and the kids were beyond excited! For a VERY reasonable price, I was able to get a trampoline, and have it delivered and set up! I can't tell you the excitement! This was a FRACTION of the cost of a new one and we were already planning to get one in the spring. It needs one rope to tie on the enclosure net, where you can see it's slipped down the pole a bit, but not too bad! Some good friends of ours recently moved nearby and stopped over tonight to try it out for a bit... good times!

The Crazy

2011-09-09T20:41:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year again.

Nope, I don't mean Christmas shopping, though mine is almost DONE! :) I mean school crazy.

The first couple weeks of school are always a bit crazy. Trying to get back into the swing of the routine again. Trying to find that balance between work, and kids, and mom. Trying (the kids) to balance play and school and homework and sleep. We have had a few CRAZY weeks. Just non-stop, no time to even sit still for 2 minutes, crazy.

Starting from having a wedding shower for my cousin out of town the day before school began, school beginning, soccer practices for two, soccer games, visits with friends, etc. Just non-stop. Good, but non-stop.

Braeden is doing great. He is not perfect, nor do I expect that, but he is doing so well. I'm SO very proud of him! With the exception of those couple rough days at the start, he has earned stickers and puzzle pieces every day. I'll take it! And I talk to God all the time about how great I think Braeden's doing and asking Him to continue to help him learn how to balance and cope and process his emotions.

Olivia's struggling. She does every year, usually both at the end of the school year and the beginning. Transitions like that are hard on her and this one has been no exception. She was used to going to bed later and sleeping in. Sleep, if not given enough, affects her so very negatively, and we've felt the brunt somewhat. I pulled her bedtime back and we are making our way through, with a light shining at the end of the tunnel not far ahead. But she's loving fifth grade and already looking forward to middle school and getting involved in track.

And Liam's teacher wants to meet with me. :) I'm pretty sure it's because he is definitely behind in many areas. I wanted so badly to touch bas e and tell her so much prior to school beginning, but know that that wasn't the right time, so we're working on coordinating a time to get together. He's doing well though and seems to enjoy kindergarten tremendously.

For myself, it's been a whirlwind. At work/school we began a new block schedule this year which is great, but also makes it so I rarely sit down, for now anyway. But the class is doing great, our new students are starting to exert some independence which I work hard for, and our former students are just growing more and more.

Since we were all so crazy lately, when I received an email at the end of summer regarding a new Disney on Ice show coming our way, I messaged a friend and we decided to get tickets to take her three and my three, and last night was our night. It was so fun! Very cool too because it showcased "older" Disney shows which are ones we LOVE...

The Lion King (missed pics of the characters)

The Little Mermaid

Lilo and Stitch

And Peter Pan

Liam was mesmerized because he's already requested to be Captain Hook for Halloween!

It was loads of fun and a great distraction from our busy life of late!

The next days will be similar as we are headed to Six Flags with good friends tomorrow, then overnight in a hotel, and then a baby shower out of town for another cousin on Sunday. We most likely won't return home until at least 8 if not later, sleeping and readying to start back to the "grind."

Then Monday Olivia has a Chicago Dr. appt, she begins dance up again that night at 4, Liam has soccer practice at 5, Tuesday is school and Olivia's and my school's back to school night. Wednesday is our first half day/inservice day, Thursday some other women from church and I are beginning a small group, and Friday I take Olivia and Liam both to Chicago for appts. Oh my! You know I'll be praying for patience, direction, and SO much help!

Labor Day 2011

2011-09-05T17:42:00.003-05:00

Embellished

2011-09-03T18:20:00.004-05:00

At Liam's school, the kindergardeners all must pay $3 to get an off-white canvas bag with red nylon handles to use as their bookbag for the year. You can decorate the bags, but those are the ones they must use...

With Olivia, we tried photo transfers and a patch or two, but they eventually got scratched off and the off white just was DIRTY so quickly.

With Braeden, we tried just patches which worked well, but the color was still horrendous fairly quickly.

So... finally after three kiddos, I think we've got a good idea... I bought some fabric DYE and dyed it blue! :) It looks lighter than what I had hoped but looks very much like denim which is cool. :) And the patches really help too! :)

Loved how dark it was when dying...

Found two motorcycle patches on clearance over the summer for side one...

And got these guys yesterday for side two... (I LOVE them!)

He's one happy boy... of course the HOLE he ALREADY has worn in the bottom is my NEXT fix!

2011-09-03T17:34:00.003-05:00

Had a wonderful lunch and visit with a friend I haven't seen in over 12 years, not even sure of the exact amount. We met at an IK.EA halfway between where we live, had lunch, dropped the kids off at the play area, and did some great catching up.

On our way out, we stopped for a picture. Braeden is fairly anti-pictures, but allow him to TAKE the picture and he's ALL about it... and this is what resulted...

He thought he was HILARIOUS to take picture after picture cutting off one or another of us! Mostly me since I am the tallest! :)

Until we FINALLY got a good one...

It was a memory to treasure and hopefully only the start of visiting and reconnecting...

Encouraged

2011-09-02T20:36:00.002-05:00

After the rough start to Braeden's second week of school, the rest of the week has evened out in many ways and we are slowly muddling through.

Wednesday he came home on a blue card. I praised him up and down, he received his "rewards" based on our written home plan, and he got to sleep in mom's room (a BIG reward to my kiddos!). :)

Thursday we had a student team meeting. At that time I found out that Braeden should have been on ORANGE Wednesday, but his teacher was busy and didn't tell him to change his card. (His class colors are: all start the day on Blue, then go to green, then yellow, then orange, then red.) When we discussed everything, I shared that I felt like Braeden had unfortunately learned some rough behaviors through all that he/we went through last year. I said that tip toeing around him, not wanting him to explode, wasn't helping and was actually creating more issues. I basically said that even though it would potentially mean HE** for a week or two, that he needed to be held accountable. He needed card changes just like anyone else. He's too smart for a teacher to overlook things, but at the same time I wasn't saying card change him for his activity that is a part of the ADHD, and that I could tell the difference and I thought that they could too. (Braeden has the same teacher he did last year as his school has some "looping" first/second grade classes and his happens to be one of them.) They agreed.

Right now there is a great plan in place. I am VERY hopeful, in a realistic way. He's such a smart smart kid and is watching like a hawk how others are reacting to his behavior, and he's still doing great at home, with "typical" behaviors thrown in the mix. He's been on yellow the last two days. I'll take it! He still earns a sticker and puzzle piece. He does not earn money, but does not have to pay me either. It's very much a typical place to be, and he's ok with it. He's not proud, but he's not angry about it either. IF we have escalations in behavior at school, a plan is in place to get him calmed, regulated, and back to class as quickly as possible. Obviously if restraint is required I would be called to pick him up, but otherwise, the goal is calm down and back to class. And, if it happens that he returns to the office a second time in a day (without needing restraint physically) they want to keep him after school a half an hour. THAT could be interesting! He loves riding the bus from his school to mine at the end of the day. One of his best friends is on with him and he doesn't see him much outside of that bus ride. He also loves that routine part of his day and the fact that no matter what has happened during the day, no matter his card color, he still gets a look of surprise and thrill on his face to see me, runs hell bent to me, and jumps, grinning, into my arms for a bear hug. Every. Single. Day. For over two years now. To keep him after would most likely make quite an impression. I have to say I'm very curious to know how that would go over! :)

All in all, I'm hopeful. I'm praying we're on the right track. And I'm looking forward to our time to come.

...And next week I've been asked to come in to talk to Liam's teacher... hmmmm........

Adoption

2011-08-30T22:03:00.003-05:00

So, many have asked, where are we in our adoption?

Well, right back at the very same place we've been since February/March. Everything is done, my dossier is submitted and in country. I am just waiting for a little girl to become available in order to begin the matching approval. There are only about 9 children on the list of those available for adoption from Hong Kong through my agency. 9. And a few of those are already matched or on their way to being matched. And the rest are older (my agency requires staying in birth order no matter what, which means under 5.) So it's a waiting "game" once more.

BUT, all that to say... although it's hard. Although I want more than anything to know who our new little one is, to see her face, to show the kids, and to bring her home. I know this is God's plan and not mine. I know that with all that the past year has been. With all that our upcoming year COULD be. We are where we need to be. And I don't know that I could add another right now. But hopefully very very soon...

Not Planned

2011-08-30T21:42:00.003-05:00

This was not the post I had planned.

If I had been more on the ball, and not been enjoying our weekend so much, and not been so lazy as to not feel like uploading pictures, I would have written this post over the weekend, and it would have gone something like this...

Guess Who Was On BLUE his WHOLE first week!?!?

Yep - BRAEDEN!!!

He had an AWESOME first week, was so proud of him, and things are going strong. He earned FOUR stickers, and FOUR puzzle pieces...

BUT... I didn't write it in time...

And Monday I had an email that the defiance had begun again.

Braeden didn't feel like doing the Spelling packet, and he made that clear.

And he left the room.

And he didn't want to participate in the exercise during PE.

And he tried to leave.

And I received an email...

YET... even though I talked to the teacher about his plan at home and how it was ALL based on the card color at the end of the day.

And even though I received an email about this and we have a meeting set for Thursday morning.

He came home with a GREEN card.

GREEN!

GREEN which is actually GREAT and gets him a LOT according to our plan, because it's

no. big. deal.

WHY oh WHY!?

Today was worse.

And I had to pick him up because they didn't want to send him on the bus.

My heart is heavy.

Our summer has gone amazingly well, especially the last month or so, I'm just in shock.

Prayers needed.

Another

2011-08-24T20:29:00.003-05:00

... GREAT day that is! Braeden is two for two with BLUE days and excitement in his voice... and Liam had a blast at kindergarten. Guess there was some craziness, but they (I saw the kindergarten teachers at a restaurant at lunch!) said that it's the first day of kindergarten and it's ALWAYS crazy! LOL

He sure was ready this morning...

Had NO qualms...

And said, "Bye Mom!" as he rushed inside with his big brother. :)

First Day

2011-08-23T22:56:00.000-05:00

Went terrific...

Except it cracked me up that he slyly told me that when at the after school program he went to he was asked to write on an apple something fun about summer, he wrote "Not having to be in school." Oh. My! :)

And when Braeden told me that the short class time (a whopping TWO hours) enabled him to control himself better. (yeah buddy, well that ain't gonna last!) :)

But he had a GREAT first day! Braeden earned $2, a sticker, and a puzzle piece! And boy was he excited! :) I'll take it!

And Olivia, what can I say, the girl loves school! She was so glad to be back and see her friends!

She talked to me after school about her plan for homework (an area she really struggles in) and I'm very proud of her. Her teacher told her that in preparation for middle school they wouldn't expect parents to sign their assignment notebook every night, so she has a plan for how she is going to study, etc, and we'll see if/how it pans out. She REALLY wants to do track next year, and I've already talked to her about how her grades have to be up and she has to show responsibility in balancing homework, family, and extracurriculars or it just won't work. She's motivated, so hopefully it'll continue that way into the year! :)

She is also a bit of an emotional mess right now, very much an emotional roller coaster. Part of it is transition, but right now she seems to be doing much better in that area. And part of it is that her body gets so exhausted which comes out emotionally. She's gotten used to going to bed between 8-9 and sleeping until 8-9:30 at times... and now is going to bed between 7:30-8 (depending on how tired she seems) and getting up at 6:15... it's rough... but I'm hopeful it'll even out soon!

Liam had his kindergarten orientation today and starts his first day tomorrow! Can't BELIEVE it! A little bummed though since he and Braeden had coordinating first day outfits, but you can't have it all! :) LOL He is SO excited! He knows one little girl in his class from day care/preschool last year, so that helps too! His teacher is one I don't know and seems GREAT! I know he'll have a wonderful year! Pics tomorrow!

Tomorrow

2011-08-22T22:52:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Braeden and Olivia's FIRST day back to SCHOOL!

And while most parents are excited and nervous for their kids to start back, to not see them around as much and miss their smiles and laughs, or maybe glad in a way to get back to that school time routine and schedule, I'm nervous... and excited... optimistic... but worried... for other reasons.

If you followed me at all last year, you'll know we had a LOT of issues with Braeden. Trying to find the right "fit" for something to help him with his excessive, EXCESSIVE, movement and activity level in order to be successful in a classroom setting and be able to learn. It was a disaster. of. ultimate. proportions. (to say the least)

But, he's had a GREAT summer. He has a NEW and WONDERFUL doctor. He's BEGINNING to process and pinpoint his emotions instead of just turning all intense emotion (such as embarrassment) to anger. And I'm optimistic he can carry that into a classroom setting.

But I'm also REALISTIC. And I'm worried. He learned a lot of bad behaviors the last couple months of school through all of this. When he was in day treatment he learned there that he could tell them he wasn't doing something and he then didn't have to. (Um, I thought, especially in a setting such as this, that that wasn't an option. If a teacher tells you... this is your work... you don't have the OPTION to just get up and go color.) But alas, I was mistaken, silly me, and he was allowed to do as he pleased in these areas.

So... because I'm a teacher... and because I know Braeden... I'm HOPING against HOPE that if I set him up for success the first couple months of school, that he will then be in a position of staying the course... I have gotten good ideas from other professionals as far as the school setting... he could sit on an exercise ball - check - it's there and ready for him... he could wear compression shirts under his regular clothes - check - we have two now... he could have velcro placed on the underside of his desk to rub as a sensory response while he is sitting - ?check? - I think - I DID pass this on to the teacher at least... and at home... well at home I've put into place the mondo-exclusive, crazy, ultimate incentive plan...

Behold our mud room...

Braeden's class is card system based and each day he ends on one of five colored cards. Obviously blue is the best going down to red. We talked about what would help motivate him and he immediately said money. I agree, unfortunately, right now money is a big motivator for him. Since I started them on allowances, I don't buy them "extras" ... that comes out of their allowance. And his money always seems to burn a hole in his pocket!

Every day he has the option to earn one of those incentives or consequences. Of course he LOVES blue, DESPISES red, and is ok with green and yellow.

Every day he can earn a sticker on our daily chart... every day of the school year is written here, no others... I thought that would help him see that the year really isn't that long and then it's time for summer again... Every time he earns five stickers he gets to choose a "card"... I have some cards that say things like "Choose your favorite drive through meal for dinner" or "Stay up extra late one night." etc. Best thing is they really benefit everyone. So even though Braeden has to earn the drive through meal and gets to choose it, all three get it...

He can also earn a puzzle piece each day... I bought a 24 piece puzzle at Dol.lar Tree... It's David fighting Goliath and we talked about how school can seem like Goliath sometimes but that he is strong and brave like David and can make it!... We will glue each piece on as he earns it and after it's complete (24 days of SCHOOL that he got blue, green, or yellow), he will get a small prize I have for him (right now he's been watching old tv shows of Beyblade and LOVES pegasus and keeps asking for a pegasus Beyblade... can you guess what the first toy I have is?) :)...

Obviously if he gets to orange or red there are consequences... paying me money and losing tv time which is big for him too. As time goes on, I am VERY hopeful that these things will WORK, that he will be MOTIVATED for success, and that I will be able to WEAN him OFF these incentives... HOPEFUL...

...and tomorrow it all begins...

Double Digits

2011-08-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Man, that title could really cover a lot of things, couldn't it!? LOL

But, for our family, it means that my "little" girl isn't so little today... she's turning TEN!

And what a beautiful young lady she's turning out to be!

I'll never forget how tiny, and welcoming, and open she was upon joining our family at 3 1/2.

She still has the biggest smile I've ever seen.

And the personality to pull it off.

She helps out, and tries hard, and cares more than most.

I love that on her birthday trip, her most favorite part was simply riding in a taxi!

I love how she didn't complain one bit about walking non-stop for three days,

just so mom could make sure she saw as MUCH of NYC as possible.

I love her heart.

I love her naivete that she still carries with her.

I love her generous spirit.

I love her compassion.

I love that her shirt says,

"Because I knew you,

I have been changed

FOR GOOD."

Because that's how anyone who's met her feels.

Happy TENTH Birthday Olivia!

May your next decade be even better than your first!

Soccer Moms

2011-08-07T12:29:00.004-05:00

Yep, I've become one of "those" for our second summer now! :)

Two summers ago we tried soccer for the first time. Olivia was a natural and LOVED it. Braeden was a five year old who ran after the ball and day dreamed as parachuters flew by overhead. It was fun!

Last summer our FL vacation cut into soccer season by a month so we were out of luck, but this summer we've picked it up again, this time with THREE players... or so we thought.

Braeden made it through one and a half practices. Period.

When they were doing things in practice he enjoyed, he was all over it...

But when they were doing more "practice" than "fun"... well, let's just say it was a different story...

A "fun" Sharks and Minnows game... sure!...

Team talks... not so much...

Needless to say it was not JUST him laying around at times, he had some angry times too, times when he wasn't up to par in HIS OWN MIND. He gets SO very angry. And I finally talked with him. I explained soccer was work, but it was also fun, and he had CHOSEN to be a part of it, so he could CHOOSE not to just as easily. But it wasn't worth the anger and frustration. And he made a good choice, and he decided to quit. Some parents may not agree. Some parents may think that once a child has started something, made a commitment, etc, that it needs to be carried through. That they can't just "quit." But I know Braeden and for him, I think that this was a strong decision. And he's not just "getting away" with quitting. He is repaying me for signing him up with his allowance, and he knew that before making the decision. And money means a lot to him right now. So ... I'm proud of his decision! Do I wish I could see him follow through on something like this and be successful, YES! BUT, I know what this decision was to him and for that I'm proud!

Olivia and Liam are still playing though, and yesterday was their first day of games.

Olivia's team is a strong contender this season I think.

They did amazing and won fairly easily.

I say watch out for Team Dair.y Queen! :)

And Liam... well Liam's five... and five year olds are just a different breed of soccer player anyway. :) But Liam is fairly clueless about the whole thing and it just cracks me up!

His buddy "A" was on the OPPOSING team and Liam was showing him how to throw in the ball! It was SO CUTE!

There were a few times in the game that he really went after the ball and got "into" the game.

But for the most part... not so much... yet.

"Hey, yes I know you're playing a game OVER THERE. But I'm OVER HERE talking to my mom on the sidelines!"

And I'm also proud at the spectator Braeden has become! He was cheering on both his brother and sister. He stayed by me unless asking to go somewhere else. He sat and entertained himself without complaining... I think my little one is starting to grow up a bit! :)

Welcome Soccer Season!

Kindergarten

2011-08-03T21:23:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that in just two and a half SHORT weeks this little guy will be off to kindergarten...

Kindergarten brings with it lots of appointments and forms. Last week while Olivia was at overnight camp through our church, and Braeden was at a day camp at our local nature center (studying Astronomy and having a BLAST), Liam and I knocked out all of his required exams. The week prior I had taken all three for their dentals, so Liam still needed an eye exam...

Along with dilation...

And a well check (since he was up to date on immunizations). One finger poke for a lead/hemoglobin test, and he was good to go!

We did find out he's low on vitamin D, but it's due to his seizure meds, so he's now on vitamin D tabs and should be doing fine.

August 23... here we come... I hope you're ready for my sensitive, sweet boy! I know he's ready for you!

A Bright Spot

2011-08-03T18:43:00.002-05:00

Monday morning I awoke to Liam having another seizure. A full on shaking, very scary, seizure. We had JUST been to Univ. of Chicago for an EEG and MRI on Friday. 911 was called and he was brought in to our local hospital. He isn't always brought in, but I'm very glad he was this time, because within the hour he had another while we were there. He was given medicine to stop him from having any more, and once the doctors here spoke with his neurology team, it was decided he would need to be admitted to U of C for an overnight EEG to try to get answers.

These are the times in my life right now where I love face*book more than ever. This network of friends, prayer warriors, and family... who can see with the click of a button that something is amiss and prayer is needed. Friends who can reach out over the internet, where cell phones don't always work in hospitals, to offer to take your other kids so you can go to the hospital with your youngest. Friends who can lend support from hundreds of miles away. Friends who can take your dog while you're gone. Within the hours we spent at the hospital here, making decisions and figuring things out, I had friends offering wonderful support. I had someone who knows Braeden well offer to take both he and Olivia for the night. They had a BLAST. I had another family offer to take Percy. He did great. I had MANY who were praying, commenting, supporting. It was so needed.

Liam did great in the hospital. He was quite ornery, but I'm glad we were there. We had a wonderful neuro doctor, who is actually going to be following the kids' care now since ours is leaving at the end of the month. She said all the things we already knew. He has seizure activity. It's always there. Always spiking up and down. And his current meds, which are usually the first choice for his type of seizures, just aren't doing the job. So we are reducing his dose, while still keeping him on those meds, and adding in an additional med now as well.

Our second day there, yesterday, just happened to be the annual day that Umps Care comes through. MLB umpires who have teamed up with Build a Bear, come to the hospital to hand out bears and Southpaw, the White Sox mascot joins them and spends time with the kids. What a TREAT for Liam! He had so much fun!!!

You can read the full article (pretty short actually!) HERE... be sure to check the photo gallery to see pics of Liam... I mean Lima! (They spelled his name wrong!) :)

This is one of those times I'm glad I carry my camera around with me! :)

Southpaw took his hat off to show Liam that he had curly hair on top too, just like Liam! :)

They allowed Liam to choose an animal (He picked a puppy, go figure!) and then an outfit. They had a karate outfit, a White Sox uniform, and a Cubs uniform. Now my dad is a HUGE Cubs fan, but I don't think Liam knows this. And it cracked me up when he chose the Cubs outfit, since Southpaw was right there! Southpaw didn't think it was so funny though, and grabbed the White Sox outfit to give Liam too... so he ended up with both baseball uniforms! :)

Southpaw shared his hat...

And the umps got in for a picture as well...

Umps Care seems like a wonderful organization! They are supposed to have pics from this event up on their page in a few days and I can't wait to see them! :) Thanks Umps Care... you made a little boy who had been through an awful lot... smile a whole bunch!

Weather...

2011-07-24T21:06:00.006-05:00

is not always our friend...

We had a great (and free) trip planned this weekend. Still worked out just fine, but not quite as we originally planned. But aren't some of life's finest moments just that way?

I had a free hotel night with some points that I needed to use soon. We booked a night near Chicago and close to some good friends we haven't seen in a while. The 8 of us had a great night swimming and talking at the hotel before I herded the kids into bed! :)

(Liam's new vest I bought for swimming so my nerves aren't quite on edge as usual lately.)

Saturday we had planned to use our season passes at Six Flags and go to the water park which we hadn't done yet. Mind you, it has been HOT and rainless for weeks. We had originally planned to go last weekend, but previously in the week there had been a HUGE power outage and some of the park was still without power, so this weekend it was. And Friday night it decided to THUNDERSTORM! I was dreading the day as I heard the loud noise through the night. (Not much sleep while watching Liam... he's had a number of seizures at night following swimming... crazy...)

Saturday morning brought cool temps, drizzling rain, and sunless skies. But we put on our brave faces and went anyway, leaving the towels in the van and deciding to skip the water park. Instead we went to three shows we hadn't seen and some rides. And we had lots of fun!!!

The weather became warm and sunny as the day went on.

Look who found herself on stage in a kids' game show!

Pretty much sums up the good day we had...

Invincibility

2011-07-22T23:03:00.005-05:00

We live in a culture of "invincibility thinking." Or... "It's not going to happen to me." "I'm not going to get hurt." "I'll be just fine." ... Etc.

There may be break through moments of reality where you see the true humanness of each of us. Red blood running down a child's leg after they fall from their bike. An elderly relative who passes away. A day of the 24 hour flu. But... each of those fleetingly passes by our consciousness. The leg wound get cleaned up, bandaged, and is all better in no time. The relative is near that age where people do pass away, and although sad, it "fits". They are sorely missed, but soon we are back to our norm. The feelings during the day of flu fun are deep, but they are forgotten as the flu subsides as quickly as it came.

Recently I set up our new crib in my bedroom. I know that when our new little one finally does come home, we will spend weeks and months working on bonding and attachment. One way we're going to facilitate that bond is by having her sleep in my room. I set up the crib as a day bed and will be pushing it up against my bed so that I am right there if she has trouble during the night.

I set it up early though. Because it's now Liam's bed; at least currently. I am now daily, hourly, sometimes by the minute, reminded of our mortality. Of the lack of "control" we really have as to what happens to us, as if I ever really had control before anyway. I am reminded every time Liam is quiet for even a few seconds in the car and I have to turn around to be sure he's not having a seizure. I'm reminded when my heart RACES every time he seems to be having one, when his eyes stare just a little too long without blinking, when I hear a funny sound from him, when he doesn't answer me when I call, and when I finally realize he's ok. And I'm thankful for those "ok's" because I know that sometime soon it won't be ok, it will be another seizure.

In our van Liam sits in the row behind me and just to the right. I am CONSTANTLY looking back on him. When we go to a movie he stares, a lot, and I will ask him what he thinks, or give him a tickle, to be sure he's ok. At night I check him when I go to bed. I check him when I hear a funny sound and/or no movement (if he's moving anything I know he's not having a seizure). I worry if he's not around for a couple of minutes. I worry when I see him asleep like this...

It's constant worry. Constant reminder of what "could be".

And yet, too, I know that this isn't much compared to what many families endure. Are enduring. And I have even more sympathy for them than I ever was able to before. And I pray for them. For us. For any parent having to go through watching their child go through something that we just can't control, can't help, can only watch and be there for.

Being Real

2011-07-20T21:31:00.002-05:00

Showers

Showers are hard for me as an adoptive parent.

Well, I take that back.

As a foster-adoptive parent.

Things MAY have been very different if my adoptions took place in a more "traditional" manner so to speak.

When my first adoption happened, all three of my children were already living with me. Braeden's was first. He had already been with me for over two years. I know for people on "the outside", they saw him as mine already.

I do get it.

The actual day of adoption wasn't that "big" of a deal - to them. It was merely a formality, the child lives with you, is clothed and comforted and disciplined and celebrated and PARENTED by you. They're "yours." But as a foster parent, you are "told" time and again, maybe not in so many words, but still, over and over you are shown that you are NOT their parent.

A trip 30 minutes away, but over a silly state line, requires forms, signatures, permissions.

Enrollment in a day care means having said day care "ok'd" and approved. And more forms and paperwork for the state to cover payment.

Paperwork at all requires you write their given name, and that doesn't include your last name, and sometimes this gets you looks or questions.

A trip to the hospital often results in hours of waiting simply because the test they want to perform requires approval by the state first since the state, not you, is the primary guardian.

Even a simple haircut requires consent from the birth parents.

No matter how much you love them.

No matter how many hours you have spent at their bedside.

No matter how many times you've been yelled at or taken the brunt of a tantrum or spoken in love when you've wanted to scream.

You. Aren't. Their. Legal. Parent.

And that day of adoption means the WORLD.

And it often goes unnoticed by most others around you.

And it usually means no "baby" shower.

No fanfare.

No special recognition.

Except in the adoption world.

With others who "get it."

And sometimes, sometimes baby showers are hard to attend.

It's hard to realize you've never had that.

That special feeling of awaiting a child,

of being honored,

of being loved and cared for in such a way.

Hard to watch as others receive gifts that you had to buy yourself

(sounds so silly really, so materialistic, but it's more about the idea behind the gifts I think).

Not sure why this has hit me hard this week, but I find myself grieving for some of the "traditions" with having a child.

As I await news on a new little one who is available for adoption...

as I get more and more impatient with the "when" of knowing who our new addition will be...

I look at others who are expecting...

their expectation visible, physical...

I wear my necklace often, but many giggle at it, don't fully comprehend...

There are no congratulations as there would be with an enlarged stomach proclaiming an upcoming arrival...

And the excitement withers a bit.

Waiting is hard.

Practice?

2011-07-16T07:39:00.005-05:00

Braeden was full of cuteness yesterday!

First he and Olivia were coloring.

Braeden is into making "lists" and he was making one of the places he'd like to visit.

His list included some GREAT locations...

Antarctica

New York

Africa

...and 10 others...

It was one of the others that showed me this was truly Braeden's list and no one else's.

Passamaquoddy

I LOVE that he even remembered that to put it on there!

I'm sure it would be a GREAT place to visit:

water

charm

white picket fences

lighthouse

Anyone know the reference? :)

Later we headed to our local Super KM**t store to pick up some groceries.

Braeden and Olivia recently got their allowance

(and of course it was burning the ever proverbial HOLE)

and brought it with "just in case."

If you have one and haven't been recently,

they have been doing some major clearance on toys!

After showing Braeden some GREAT Star War*s walkie talkies that were marked down to $3.99, and an amazing Erector set marked at $3.99...

THIS is what he ended up buying!

Oh yes he did!

(I did grab two of the Erector sets on the sly for him or others as gifts down the road.)

He thinks they're "peach" colored which cracks me up.

He went to bed with them and sang them a lullaby.

And he's played with them a bit today.

SO cute!

What a wonderful father he will be!

Midnight Secret

2011-07-15T08:06:00.006-05:00

After TEN years in the making...

And many many months of fans (like me) of the amazing books waiting with baited breath as each movie was made and released...

The final chapter in the Harry Potter saga has been turned into film and opens today.

Of course,

since it's such a hit,

there was also a midnight showing last night all over the country.

And since that's the best time to sit for my kids (ha!),

And since our summer college age sitter's plans fell through to see it herself (sorry!),

I had someone to stay at the house while I trekked out to the movie in the middle of the night!

(And the kids had NO CLUE.) :)

The theater didn't plan well on their timing of letting people in.

There was one HUGE line for the large theater showing the 3D movie,

and another line for 3-4 small theaters showing the 2D film.

The smaller line was let in first and then our large line.

We didn't start MOVING until almost 11:10 and our section,

with many more in line behind us still,

didn't make it IN the theater until almost midnight.

Which means the show actually began closer to 12:30.

BUT...

it was WORTH IT!

GREAT movie!

I don't know that the 3D was worth it,

only a few scenes where it really even registered,

but still,

IT WAS GREAT!!!

(My kids stopped watching the movies after the second and I've told them

as soon as they read the books they can see the rest!

I have yet to have one take me up on that!) :)

Tell me, are you a fan?

Are you planning on seeing the movie?

Or did you already?

Answers Please!

2011-07-13T22:21:00.003-05:00

After all we did regarding Liam's seizures over vacation while in Florida, he still isn't "status quo".

I had thought, hoped, prayed, that increasing his dosage of medication was the "answer."

He had grown, and his meds needed to reflect that.

I was wrong.

Tuesday morning he had another.

While we were out at the local summer morning movie, and prior to it starting.

God was in control.

Sitting in front of us was a good friend from church and her kids.

And in front of her was another woman from church with her kids.

So my friend was able to come out and help me call 911 and be calm,

while the one in the very front watched all of the kids.

The rescue crew did come, as his seizures almost always last at least 5 minutes

and I'm supposed to call whenever they are 5 minutes long.

But, he recovered and I took him home to sleep away the morning,

as seizures EXHAUST him.

My friend at the theater kept Olivia and Braeden with her so they didn't miss the movie,

and she brought them home after,

and was able to see Liam walking around and smiling.

He is getting blood work done this morning and they are talking

of scheduling an EEG and/or MRI, possibly an overnight EEG.

I'm glad and hope that we can get some answers.

My only concern, irritation is that we JUST did an overnight EEG.

And we did that while in FL when I had support to watch the other two,

since I have to be there all night with him.

I'd like to know why that info wasn't/hasn't been sent to his docs here

like it was supposed to.

I don't want to redo something already done.

The MRI is something I could see doing as that HASN'T been done.

Please pray for us.

Pray for the doctors to find answers.

Thanks

Family Reunion Time!

2011-07-12T23:12:00.003-05:00

The Separate Post

2011-07-09T21:02:00.004-05:00

You may remember a few days ago when we had that amazing dinner with David and his family in Atlanta. I had shared that I had an incredible story of what happened to us right before that almost prevented us from going? Well, here it is, and you won't believe it! I still picture this in my mind as unbelievable!

We were early for our dinner meeting so we stopped at the Martin Luther King Jr. Site to pass some time. Since we had the dog with us we needed somewhere ok for him, and we had been here two years ago so I knew that it was free parking as well as outdoor spaces where we could walk. More pics from before. (Of course we LOVE MLK so that helped too!) :)

Was great to see it yet again even if we weren't going to be able to really look around inside at the exhibit. We were excited about seeing the footprints of famous African Americans. Braeden even remembered that he had stood for a picture on Sammy Davis Jr's and Olivia on Rosa Parks'.

They were amped up, but we each needed the restroom so we headed there first before finding those famous prints.

As Olivia and Braeden waited right outside the doors with Percy (our pup), I took Liam inside first. Hmmm... this is where things went wrong. So very, very wrong...

Because, I bet you had NO idea, just like I didn't that IF the conditions were JUST right...

IF you had a long fabric (awesome) wrist key fob with three keys attached...

And IF you had a shallow pocket and of course left your purse in the car for this quick stop...

And IF you were pulling up your pants JUST so while the toilet flushed...

Well...

You keys CAN fall out...

They CAN land RIGHT in the toilet...

And before you can blink your eye, they CAN be whisked away forever, never to be seen again...

Oh yes, they CAN...

Just sayin'....

BOOOOOO!!!!!!

All I have to say about THAT is THANK GOD, literally, because as I was packing for our trip, I somehow came upon my extra car key, and SOMEHOW decided to toss it into my purse. For what reason? I NEVER carry a spare?! Thank YOU GOD! So the very nice security man pried open my van door, and I was able to retrieve my one spare car key. WHEW! Who knew getting to dinner could be so much work!

(NO idea WHAT I would have had to do IF I hadn't had that extra key! Getting more made as I speak and placing them strategically in the car, purse, and house!) :)

Discoveries

2011-07-07T07:12:00.002-05:00

The other night as I was taking the kids to the beach, an interesting conversation developed in the back of the van.

Seems that driving often affords those times of contemplation and serious discussion that eludes us at other moments of the day.

This one began with Braeden and Olivia getting on the topic (somehow?) of Satan and God.

They were talking of how Satan betrayed God,

and how horrible and wrong that was.

Then they began discussing how wrong it is for others to disobey and go against God.

I gently joined the conversation at this point and shared how even WE go against God.

Their eyes got big and they asked "How?" "When?"

And I explained that whenever we sin:

whether we are mean to a family member,

disrespectful to our mom,

if we lie,

if we hurt others,

if we don't listen to what is right,

we ARE going against God.

They were dumbfounded as they soaked in this truth.

I love watching my children, especially Olivia as she is getting older,

"try out" new ideas, and discover them for herself.

Though she's getting too big for many "younger child" ideas and games,

she is growing so very much and learning every day.

Through this discussion, Olivia talked of making a list

to remind herself to stop and think

each time she is angry.

Each time she wants to respond to something in anger.

She tends to "forget" many many things,

daily, mundane, routine, things,

she processes differently and doesn't remember many things

that were said and then reacts as if I'm "out to get her" at times.

We are working on this.

And I was proud of her role in this discussion

and her learning curve regarding God and her world.

Love car conversations!

A GREAT Surprise for the Kids

2011-07-06T20:31:00.004-05:00

Well it was quite the adventure just before this, but that is a separate post! :)

On our way back to Illinois today we stopped in Atlanta to have dinner with a very special guest!

It was a big surprise as I hadn't told the kids: I've learned over the years not to say much ahead of time as you never know what could happen in the meantime.

This is where we met...

I had never heard of The Varsity, but I guess it's the largest drive-in and they have a section which still serves curbside, car hops and all!

But more important was our company!

David is doing so great!

It was WONDERFUL seeing him again and meeting part of his beautiful new family!

I wish I had gotten more pictures of his family themselves!

We were finally able to return his photo album of his time in America last summer,

which he had forgotten to bring the day he returned to Latvia.

And he and Liam had fun reminding each other of the fun we had then!

He is doing great and I'm amazed at how much he's grown!

I look forward to staying in touch and continuing to be a part of this special young man's life!

Final Days in Florida

2011-07-06T20:30:00.000-05:00

Liam's Day

2011-07-01T07:40:00.005-05:00

Liam and Mom had a great day yesterday at Holly.wood Studios on our own.

We got there early and waited a short time...

...so that we could be among the first to ride...

...and miss the lines later in the day!

Liam LOVES Toy Story so this was perfect!

He thought it was so funny to be in the "box" with the Prospector!

But meeting his heroes was just amazing for him!

And Buzz thought his shirt and toy were pretty cool and kept giving him a thumbs up!

Mom always loves seeing Narnia and the costumes and props!

Disney Jr. was pretty fun for him!

We waited a short time for our next show and bided our time making faces...

Until it was time for this...

...then this was the face I saw during the WHOLE show!

Lunch was fun with all the characters

(and the ONE meal we ate so we could splurge a bit!)

Went to NYC for a bit! :)

(Olivia thought this picture was cool!)

And we finished our day at Fantasmic!

My FAVORITE!

We missed the parade due to rain earlier in the day,

but luckily had clear weather in between and for the car stunt show and Fantasmic!

It was such a great day and I loved spending time with my youngest!

I will miss having the opportunity to do so much one on one when we return.

Another One

2011-06-29T06:17:00.015-05:00

Yesterday was another great day of our vacation!

We headed to Orlando for the day.

First we stopped at Give Kids the World Village.

Olivia's Make a Wish trip three years ago was here and we LOVE this place.

One of our favorites! :)

We go back usually one day each time we come to FL.

Liam could have ridden this all day!

Each time she has to find "her" paving stone and get a photo!

We ALL love the free ice cream parlor!

Their park is amazing!

I tried telling Braeden that this type of swing was for kids with physical needs,

but he HAD to use it anyway, and got himself STUCK! LOL

Course mom had to get a picture FIRST before helping him out!

The newer water/pool area is awesome!

We took full advantage in the 93 degree heat!

Then we headed to Medieval Times as a treat from Grandma and Grandpa!

Olivia had a ball and got her first "crush."

Because "our" knight, the green knight...

...threw her THIS and she was on cloud 9!

She held it in front of her ALL evening! LOL

Braeden cheered like crazy and was mesmerized by it all!

But I think this part was one of his favorites!

He loved the battles!

And Liam, he just drank it all in,

especially the Pepsi which he was allowed to drink,

unlike normally when we eat out!

He was in HEAVEN!

A late day, but a GREAT day!

Saturday Snapshots

2011-06-25T23:44:00.006-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa treated us to a special day with them at Bus.ch Gar.dens today. Had a few rough patches, but overall a wonderful, fun day!

Braeden's Turn

2011-06-23T08:36:00.003-05:00

Two summers ago Disney. had their day of allowing people to go to a park free on their birthday so I took Olivia to Hollywood Studios by herself to celebrate on my day. This summer, since Olivia and I were doing her ten year trip and because I had taken her last time, it was Braeden's turn.

Braeden chose Universal Studio.s and yesterday was the day we were finally able to go, since Liam's seizures postponed it from last week.

He absolutely LOVED the Jurassic Park education center where there were many dinosaur related activites... I think we ended up there three times during the day!

This fountain was so funny! Someone was watching and would talk from inside to the kids/people gathering around. Then they would try to squirt them with water from one of the many holes that water could come out of... Braeden did "ninja moves" to stay away from the water as long as possible! :)

Our favorite area was definitely the Wizarding World of Har.ry Pot.ter... and it was SO much better than last summer where we waited over 1 1/2 hours just to get in to the AREA. :) No lines like that this time!

We each had THREE butterbeers during the day! Our favorite!

We ate late lunch/ early dinner at the Three Broomsticks... YUM!

We loved seeing Zon.ko's and Honey.dukes which we didn't even get close to last summer with all the lines just to get in!

Seuss Landing was also a favorite as Braeden is not a big ride rider, and this area has four smaller kid-type rides. :)

On our way out... he was moving SO fast (as is his "norm") that the camera couldn't keep up!

All in all (we had a few issues with listening, etc) it was a good day! LOVE my Braeden!

Another Side

2011-06-23T06:18:00.002-05:00

While Olivia and I were in New York City, we had so much fun! But, there was also that "other side" of life that we don't often get an up close view of, and although it was heart wrenching to see, I'm glad Olivia got to see some of this herself.

We passed many homeless people as we walked the streets of NYC.

As we walked along in our "nice" clothes, not worried about being hungry

and if so, satisfying that "hunger" whenever or however we pleased.

We saw many.

These are only a few that I snapped pics of as I happened to have my camera out

and taking a pic of something else nearby.

We had some good conversations about the people we saw.

We prayed for them.

We know that though we do not know their stories

or how they ended up in this situation,

God DOES know them.

He knows them personally.

And loves them individually.

And in that we laid our prayers.

Farewell NYC

2011-06-19T20:01:00.004-05:00

We are certainly going to miss you New York City!

We've had SO much fun seeing your sights and taking in some of your pulse and life.

We just had a little time this morning to do some walking.

We saw Christie's auction house,

American Girl Place,

and some more of Times Square.

Thanks for having us!

We've loved every minute!

While the Cat's Away...

2011-06-18T23:13:00.005-05:00

...the mice will play.

I have missed my boys terribly since being gone.

But have been getting updates from Grandma and Grandpa,

talking to them on the phone,

and getting pictures from Grandpa.

They have eaten Kris.py Kre.me for breakfast,

saw Herbie,

watched Mr. Popper's Penguins,

ate at McDon.alds,

B had his first Big.Mac,

and finished the WHOLE thing,

ate Grandpa's smoothies for lunch,

and wore a PAJAMA top out in public,

Oh, and socks WITH SANDALS,

Wait, I mean they bought shields!

I will miss NYC, but CAN'T WAIT to see my boys!!!

Final Full Day

2011-06-18T22:41:00.006-05:00

We jam packed another full day into our trip! Today was Olivia's favorite I think!

First we rode the subway... can you tell how excited she was!? :)

Then, one of my favorite things (in a very different way),

and I wish I had done a better job preparing her for this

as she just didn't understand the significance herself.

On our way south to ride the ferry to the Statue of Liberty,

we stopped at the 911 site.

This is a small area next to the construction site.

The stone Olivia is sitting on reads,

"Dedicated to those who survived September 11, 2001."

Plans for the future of the site.

And I THINK this is the current construction of the Freedom Tower.

Walking down to the ferry...

I crack up Olivia in my photo ideas,

and she cracks ME up in her execution!

Ellis Island was another I wish I had taught Olivia more about prior to coming here.

It just didn't mean much to her.

But I was awed.

The ONE thing Olivia has talked about non-stop once she chose this as her destination...

Riding in a taxi!

We took three today.

(My feet are thankful!)

Walking around and being outside makes you not so hungry (yay?!).

Today we had a breakfast bar, an afternoon meal/late lunch here...

And a snack at our next stop,

after seeing the most amazing Toys.R.Us EVER!

At first I hadn't even planned to go in,

I mean, WE have Toys.R.Us!

But where else do you see a four story store with a FERRIS WHEEL INSIDE!?

One of the cars,

Liam, this one's for YOU!

Then on to this wonderful place we were told to go to!

YUM to the E!

See those ice creams?!

Coffee and Donuts!

Pancakes and Syrup!

Hello!!!

We each got a scoop of Birthday Cake!

Oh. My. :)

We then headed back to the hotel to re-coop,

and Olivia napped,

prior to our last night out here...

She was in HEAVEN!

She LOVED it!!!

It was an amazing day!

More Big Apple

2011-06-17T21:43:00.007-05:00

Another amazing day... and it was also my birthday today. What a special way to spend my birthday as well as celebrating my daughter's upcoming tenth birthday! The weather started off rocky today so we got a later start, but still had plenty of time to pack a lot in!

At the time I had no clue who these guys were.

There were a TON of people crowding both inside and out of the NHL store to get close.

Obviously I knew they were hockey players,

but have since learned from a friend on Face.book that they just won the Stanley Cup!

He says we're going to "talk" when I return!

LOL

F.A.O. Schwartz

A picture for Braeden and Liam...

Can you guys BELIEVE how BIG these are!?

Our midmorning "snack" and my birthday "cake".

(Olivia's on the left and mine on the right.)

AMAZING!!!

Rockefeller Center

The Lego Store

For Grandpa...

Grand Central Station

NY Public Library

Yep, I think we had one of these VERY computers!

And now it's in a museum!

(I'm so OLD!)

Who sold Liam's drawing without telling me!?

LOVE this!!!

Dinner... gyros from a sidewalk vendor!

YUM!

Had to run inside and eat because it started POURING. :)