Saturday, October 17, 2009

So True......


Sorry for the lack of posts. Having a hard time writing a post. Pictures soon of our weekend spent camping......

Sunday, September 27, 2009

A girl and her Mommy part 2

A day spent at the Zoo.








About to end our last day here with a sunset dinner cruise.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

A girl and her Mommy

Big sister and I are enjoying a four day get away in beautiful San Diego. Just the two of us-it is quite amazing. She is loving being the center of Mommy's attention, choosing where/what to eat, where/when to swim, what activity to do next, what dessert to eat (that is bigger than dinner).....I think she will remember this trip for quite some time, I know I will. She is quite the shopper, but most of her purchases have been for her siblings. Here are some pictures of our first two days of fun. Unfortunately, we do not have any pictures of our kayak adventure including snorkeling with Sea Lions and paddling among leopard sharks.
Abbie has taken my camera as her own and has become quite artsy ;-)





This was our lunch stop-delicious sandwiches (overstuffed just like the sign says) and freshed squeezed lemonade

More pics courtesy of Abbie






Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Prayer

We are going through a bit of a rough time-sick kiddos, sick mom, behavioral issues just to name a few-nothing we can't deal with or work thru but not a lot of fun. I have been meaning to post something/pictures/stories but haven't had the time. Taking the time to post this is a bit of selfish reason but I know some of you who read this will pray for us-so that is why I am writing. Pray for compassion, for understanding, for creativity, refreshed attitudes, for patience (yes for patience), for peace, for confidence/boldness and for more of God and less of me.
Thanks!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Power of Words

There seems to be a resounding 'theme' over the last week in my life which is- the power of words-the importance of them, the affect they have on others, the ability to build up or tear down, to encourage or to break one's spirit. Hearing wise words spoken from the pulpit, reading devotionals, preparing for a lesson I am teaching, watching the mess on the news about the recent celebrities' outbursts. Our tongue is indeed quite powerful:
James 3: When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water

Not sure why the power of words has been so 'in my face' this week but I am definitely paying a bit more attention to what is coming out of my mouth and how it is being said. Ok, well maybe I do know........cause I need it to be 'in my face'. God-I hear ya :-)

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The Princess and Old Folks


On Friday she got to go on two field trips-lucky kid-of course her siblings were quite jealous. The first trip was a morning adventure to the county fair, including getting to pet some baby goats and sheep. The trip in the afternoon was to a local 'day out program' for senior citizens. Her school has been taking the kindergartners for a visit for a couple of years now-and I am not sure who likes it more the little ones or the big ones. They did their usual singing of songs and then played some games and made a craft. This trip was in honor of Grandparents day. When I picked her up from school she came beaming to the car wearing proudly a noodle necklace that was every color of the rainbow. "Mom-look at my necklace I made! This one I made for me. I also helped my new friend make one for her." So of course I ask her about her new friend and I hear "Ummmmm......I can't remember her name, but she was one of the Grandmas we played with today. I think she really liked my help-we smiled a lot. We also played 'whack-o-mole'........we were both pretty good.........had a lot of FUN!" She also said all the Grandpas and Grandmas smiled a bunch-so she had done her job :-) I had reminded her when I dropped her off where they were going and that I thought there might be some kids a bit hesitant to make friends with all the Grandparents, so I encouraged her to keep a smile on her face to help her friends see what a great time she was having.
I love her school and the experiences my kids have had there, I am quite sad this is the last year for a Waggoner kid to be there.

Another 'old folk' story....while at a fast food restarauant Princess says "I think I see somebody that is.....I mean looks like a president." I look around the resteraunt, only to see another family and three elderly ladies at the counter ordering. "Ma, I am not sure who you are talking about, can you tell Mommy with out pointing, who you are talking about?" She says with a grin on her face the one with the red shirt, so as I am trying to figure out why she thinks an 80 year old lady looks like a president the lightbulb goes off............her hair! "Ma, you think her hair looks like the pictures of the old presidents?" Yep-that is it-too funny that she probably couldn't name many old presidents but she could tell you what their hair looked like. She indeed is our fashion Princess!

Friday, September 11, 2009

The craziness has officially begun.......

Well come to think of it, I am not sure I can remember life with out craziness. Guess that is life with four kiddos-which I love....I think. School has been back in for 2 1/2 weeks and all the extra curricular activities have started back. Which means I truly must look at the calendar each morning/night to make sure I don't forget to take a child somewhere or pick them up ;-) and that each kiddo has all the 'supplies' needed for the activity. Thursdays are our super CRAZY day, so if you need to find me, just look in my car cause I think I live there from about 2:30-7:30PM. And yes we all ate dinner (in shifts) and the kids were bathed and in bed by 8 PM. Sometime in the midst of all the driving yesterday Princess says "Mom, I sure am glad you like to drive because I think you will be in the car all day!........Did you bring a book or something to do?" Her comment actually led to a little appreciation talk for dear ol' mom-woo hoo!

Looking forward to this weekend...... two soccer games, one flag football game and rehearsal for Big Sister for the Nutcracker with Ballet Oklahoma, and the first OU home game!!! Now if I could just figure out how to be in two places at once....

Monday, September 7, 2009

Fun Family Day

We spent the day in the great outdoors and got to see a lot of wildlife. We headed south the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. We did a little hiking on Mt Scott (yes there are a few mountains in Oklahoma-or rather large hills) and got to see some wildlife up close. Turns out the Princess is quite the mountain climber, Dad is trying to share Oma's fear of heights and was made a bit uncomfortable by his daring daughter. The kids loved trying to be the first to spot the wildlife which meant there were many far off trees and bushes being labeled a buffalo or a longhorn until a sibling called them on it-many laughs were had by all. We had a great day together and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Here are some pictures of the day.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Frustration...

Nothing fun about this blog, just a bit of reality and a glimpse into our last week. (and I guess a little venting) A few of the sayings that I am tired of saying, so I know the kids must be REALLY tired of hearing:
  • Listen and Obey
  • Listen to my words....I said...
  • What did I ask you to do...what did you choose to do?
  • Is that being kind and respectful?
  • Are you treating your siblings the way you would like to be treated?
  • It is not OK to speak like that
  • Are you telling me the truth?
  • If I ask the teacher, will I get the same answer?
  • Do you like the way you are behaving?
Needless to say there have been a lot of undesirable behaviors in our house this past week (and I know I am not exempt from that statement). School has brought some much needed routine to the week, along with a break from each other-both from siblings and from/for Mom, but unfortunately it has also brought anxiety and stress. We have had to move a bed into our playroom to separate the two older girls-we have decided not to convert the playroom into a true bedroom since we are in the works of starting to build our 'Someday' home (WOO HOO!!!) We think this is starting to solve a few of the issues in the house, just not at lightening speed.

The past 72 hours has about taken all the patience I have. Blessings to the sweet woman in the Chick-Fila line that complimented my parenting this evening, when inside I felt like screaming. I smiled and thanked her and said I didn't think my parenting was so great at the moment that it had been a long day and I was ready for bed but I appreciated her kind words. This sweet angel God sent my way responded with "Well I think you must be a wonderful parent then, to be at the end of you rope and still keeping it together." Wow-if only she could have been inside my head. Thank you God for this gentle sweet reminder. It added just enough patience to get me thru dinner. Unfortunately, soon after arriving home another lying issue arose, between two kiddos who are struggling a bit in this area. Total frustration, no patience, and no 'truth teller' to be had=two children who went to bed with no story and a disappointed mom tucking them in.

This has been a week that makes me say "God, evidently you think I am a whole lot stronger than I think I am.......please help, show me, give me the strength, allow me to see my children through your eyes, remind me yet again how much you love me when I disobey, am not kind, am not respectful, make bad choices-for I know you have every right to be frustrated with me-yet your love, affection, patience, sweet spirit and kind words are always available to me, you are unfailingly patient time and time again with me....help me to be the kind of parent you are."

I know compared to so many others situations, I have nothing to complain or be frustrated about. We are so richly blessed in so many ways. So after reading this please do not think I am not grateful nor do not love my children. I am human....I get frustrated.....I lose my patience.....I am selfish yet my Father never holds that against me.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

In TWO days!!!

Our Baby is reading!!! After two days of Kindergarten she has decided she wants to read. Now, as her parents we have known she was capable of this task months ago but she was not 'interested' in it. She loves books and always has enjoyed looking at them and being read to, especially by Big Sister. Tonight though she decided since she didn't have any homework she would "try and read a book" (her words). I guess being a Kindergartner now she feels the need to have some homework. I said go for it-and handed her a box of books I thought she might want to start with. Much like her decision to swim, she set her mind to it, believed in herself and DID IT! Three Bob Books later the whole family was yelling, high fives being passed out, and cheering her on. She called and read to the grandparents-the grandmas both giggled, I think they did that so they wouldn't cry. We are a family of avid readers and now we have one more. I am one EXCITED mommy! Princess went to bed beaming tonight, I bet she will be sleeping with a smile on her face. Wonder what else our big kid will be doing with another 2 days of school under her belt.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Princess's first day of Kindergarten!

OUR BABY IS IN SCHOOL 5 DAYS A WEEK!



She loves school and was so happy to FINALLY be a Kindie like Big Sister and Brother. The Lead Teacher has literally watched Madison grow up since we have had a child attending Gingerbread for 6 years-I am not sure who was more excited this morning. She affectionally greeted Madison by calling her the nickname Big Sister has called her-MaMa. Princess started her morning off at school playing with a microscope hooked up to a computer-investigating a fly, flower and some strange little bug. When I picked her up she came beaming to the car so proud to be a "Big Kid" and told me all about her day. I can not believe I do not have a 'baby' at home with me anymore. For over nine years I have had a child in tow-I think I will enjoy this week of 'freedom' but by next week I am sure I will feel a bit lost.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

First Day of School








Despite the thunder and rain the kids were excited about school. Backpacks were over flowing with school supplies and snacks, lunches were packed and the before school pictures were taken in a break from the rain. Everyone even got to their class on time :-) As you can see from the pics, Big Sister took off on her own as a 4th grader. Kade would have if Mom would have let him ;-) and Jennifer is still a bit less than thrilled that she doesn't have the same teacher as last year. I am hoping she will realize today what a fun and wonderful teacher she has. Now the Princess and I are off to spend the day together with out the 'big kids' because her school doesn't start until Monday. It will be a quiet day......that is until the school bell rings.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Birthday Celebration





Here is the "Fancy Cake" with the 'make up' that J and her Oma made. We had a family celebration tonight for her and my niece Hannah, who's birthday is the day after J's. Hannah and my sister made a "Pony Cake" with a big purple candle 5 in the middle. Unfortunately, Hannah was a bit under the weather and didn't feel much to eating cake. So the wonderful Aunt that I am ;-) I told her to take her cake home and eat it when she felt better. I didn't think it was fair for us to eat it in front of her. So we all shared the make up cake and it was quite yummy. The girls did a great job of sharing the spotlight, which is a norm for family parties in our family with so many birthdays close together. This was J's second birthday celebration, this past Thursday we surprised her with a party at Chuck E Cheese (pictures to come) with two other families. It was the perfect size party and on an 'off' night so the restaurant was not crowded. She enjoyed wearing the birthday crown, dancing with Chuck E Cheese and eating her favorite food-Pizza. Tonight when I tucked her in, I told her we would no longer have a six year old in our house, in the morning she would be 7. Big Sister stated very matter of fact "Mom, just wait till January and Ma will turn 6" Oh geez! I am glad they are growing up but..........I miss the 'little ones'.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Another word confusion



I think with all the changes (stress) that J is experiencing her English kind of goes out the window at times. Sometimes it is in the understanding of words, other times it is trying to find the words to express her thoughts, and sometimes it is using the wrong word-which seems to be the most entertaining to all. She catches herself occasionally right after she has used the wrong word and giggles and says "That's not right." A sibling or parent fills in the sentence with one or two words that she can choose from. I have been amazed at all our kids vocabulary and the words they use to describe the same thing. Today at lunch, J was telling the Princess and I all about her time with Oma (Tony's mom) and the cake they baked for her birthday. She got to go to the store and choose the kind of cake she wanted to make, the icing and the decorations. She said they baked it and were waiting for it to 'get cold' so she could "put the make up on it". Princess responds in a giggle "You are putting make up on your cake!?!?" J says "Yes.....pink pink make up" Princess says "I think you mean icing" The girls giggled for a long time about that word mix up and I am sure they will share that story many more times. I am looking forward to eating the make up cake with a crown on it, pictures to come.

(Sorry the last few pictures have been so huge-can't figure out why-I am checking the smaller image box, but as you see they are not small)

Friday, August 14, 2009

Jalapeno or Palomino


This afternoon Daddy and the two oldest headed to Roaring River, our favorite place to go camping. They will spend all day tomorrow trout fishing. At the last minute, Tony's dad decided to go. Kade quickly pointed out that Big Sister would be the only girl, she smiled proudly and said 'Yep, I know.........I will be spoiled' Too funny that girl is. I know they will have a great time fishing and enjoy their time away from home and in the great outdoors. This also means I have the little two at home, whom feel a bit left out. So I told them we could go out for dinner and on a little shopping trip. We choose a mexican restaurant (such a surprise) and sat outside on the patio among the misters. We enjoyed a fun game of 'I Spy' while waiting on the food and devouring the chips, tortillas, queso and salsa. When our food arrived I asked J if she wanted to pour some salsa (which she eats by the spoonfuls) on her rice and she said no but that she would take the green things off my plate. She said she ate them all the time in Ghana and they are yummy. She was referring to the jalapenos on my plate.

I said "Are you sure you want these? They are spicy" Confidently she said yes and took several off my plate and mixed them into her rice. I leaned over to Ma and said "Watch her face, I do not think she is going to like them" J took a big bite of rice with a jalepeno on top and chewed once or twice before the look of shock was on her face. Ma started laughing so hard, which made J giggle. I encouraged her to swallow quickly and get a drink. The two girls laughed and laughed as J tried to get the taste off her tongue, trying many antics. Then Ma says "J I can't believe you ate a Palomino!!"and bursts out laughing. What Mom doesn't giggle when her children are enjoying a good belly role of laughter, but add a misuse of words stated so confidently......well let's just say the three of us were in tears from laughing so hard. Good thing we were already outside or we might have been kicked out. When I finally stopped laughing long enough to explain the difference between a horse and a pepper the girls laughed even harder. We headed for a 'shopping spree' at the Dollar Tree. They now have an overflowing drawer of hair accessories and a little bag to carry their goodies in. We are finishing off the evening snuggled together watching a 'girlie' movie.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Too much change


Well there have been a lot of changes-change in routine (summer time), changes that come with vacation, changes that are being anticipated with a new school year quickly approaching, etc. All of these changes seem to throw a particular little girl into chaos. For those of you who read this blog that have adopted older children you know what I am talking about, others of you might think I am crazy.....(well I think I a bit at times).......however I do know change can create some change in behavior. And "some change" in behavior would be an understatement in our house the last two weeks. We (parents) are trying incredibly hard to be patient and understanding, providing the most stable, loving, reassuring environment as possible. We have also tried some 'new' parenting techniques-not sure if they are working, I would like to think so but I guess only time will tell. I will share a bit of what we are doing, although it does make me seem a bit vulnerable to me, a little 'too much information' for me. I am pretty much an open book about myself, but when talking about the lives/behaviors of my children the door often stays sealed shut. However, I know how much hope, encouragement, and feelings of normalcy I gain from reading other adoption blogs, so hopefully someone might benefit. I also want to state-all of our children misbehave, they are children, and just like me act undesirably at times-I am just used to parenting them and have figured out what 'works' with/for them. We are still trying to figure out what works for J, what will deter her undesirable behaviors and attitudes. So that is whom I am writing about.

We have been using 'time in' in stead of time out. When J has done something that usually would have resulted in a 'time out' in our house she receives a 'time in'. Explanation-she sits or stands next to one of us. For example, she chooses to take an object out of the hand of her siblings or something they are playing with, she has to return it and sit with one of us. Let's just say that a few mornings this week I have fixed breakfast, cleaned the kitchen or folded laundry with a child at my feet or sitting where I can feel her breathe on me. This 'time in' is not spent or seen as 'special time' with mommy. She knows that I am not happy with her choice, nor the fact that I have an appendage, and quite frankly I think she is not too happy about being my shadow. So I hope that this new way of discipline is working, if not I am losing my personal space for nothing, which that idea does not make me too thrilled. Slowly I think it is deterring some unwanted behavior. I keep reminding myself-CONSISTENCY, CONSISTENCY, CONSISTENCY.

Something else we are trying, allowing J the opportunity to name and claim her behavior. Example-kids playing in the playroom, I hear J speaking unkindly to her siblings. I ask for her to come to me and then ask her why she thinks I have called her away from playing. When I first started this the answer I got 95% of the time was "Because I was not nice" I have asked her to go a bit deeper and explain how she was not nice. That part is working, she now is getting pretty specific with what she has done/said. I think sometimes she amazes herself in how she has chosen to behave. An added benefit is that she is able to see how her behavior is affecting her siblings this way, I think. I have also allowed her to be a part of the discipline decision, when a 'time in' just doesn't seem to fit the behavior (like when we have already done that 2, 3, 4 times for the bad choice of behavior) she has to help come up with what might be a deterrent for her. Sometimes she is a bit tougher on herself, but it seems to be working.

There are times I truly feel that I am not 'good enough' for my job. One thing that I do not ever doubt though is God's plan.......question yes, doubt no. I know that God chose us to be J's parents, I know that He has lead us down the path of adoption, I know that He feels that we are capable of being the best parents to all four of our children........I do question if I am doing it right, I do question the strength He thinks I must have, I do question how much to share with others-how much to seek help for, how much to share with teachers, how much to let others 'in', etc.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Habitat for Humanity:Playhouse


Our church is taking part in an Apostle's Build, where churches are coming together to build a house for a family here in town. To help raise funds for the house, a playhouse was built and raffle tickets were sold ($5 for one or $20 for 5). The playhouse has been on display at the mall and people have been 'manning' a table to sell tickets on the weekends. Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization, but unfortunately has rules about children not being on the worksite while the construction is taking place(safety). The Waggoner kids have a tough time grasping that rule since they have been helping build houses in Mexico since before they could walk. Anyway, I thought they might like being able to be apart of the build by raising money. So we headed to the mall to take part in selling raffle tickets.
The kids started off a bit shy, but soon found their nice loud voices (the ones they use all the time at home) along with a bit of courage. They would smile and say "Would you like to help Habitat for Humanity?" The whole phrase was a bit foreign to Jennifer, but after saying it a 20-30 times I think she figured it out. I wish I had taken my camera or video camera would have been even better. They were precious and the faces on the 'strangers' were pretty priceless. Unfortunately, they were ignored by some and others promised they would be back-little Princess kept looking for those who had said they would be back. She eventually said "I think people lied to us and they are not coming back" What a tough lesson to learn so young......so if by chance any of you who promised to come back are reading this-you owe our little girl an explanation, a truthful one!

The kids sold several tickets (we stopped counting at 25) and received a lot of donations. They won the hearts of many, I think. There was a woman who was working at the jewelry store, by where we were, who came out with money and said she had been watching Kade. She said he was so much fun to watch-so confident and had a sweet smile-she just had to donate again in 'honor' of his hard work. Of course this made him work even harder. He was quite the salesman who would even walk a little with you if you tried to pass him by. He would boldly repeat himself and it worked several times-ending in a raffle ticket(s) purchase or donation.

I loved the fact the kids worked so hard, stepped out of their comfort zone, all in order to raise funds for a family to have a home of their own. I also loved their expectation of others to care and donate. I was a bit sad that they also learned that some just didn't care/were too busy to stop and others chose to lie to them.
All in all a fun way to spend a few hours on a hot Saturday and a great lesson in service.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

A few more vacation pics.

These pictures were taken at the condo. The view is amazing-the mornings are cool enough to enjoy the balconies and view, the evenings not so much. The pool has plenty of room for all the kids to swim, play and burn off some energy, it is also salt free which they enjoy. It has been a lot of fun watching them all play an imaginative game together as well as pair off with one another while we are at the pool. Sometimes the oldest together, sometimes the oldest and youngest, sometimes two sisters-it is nice that they all get along so well. So far the sunscreen has kept us all from looking like lobsters. We are having a great time, but a bit sad that Dad had to go back to the 'real world'.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Beach Fun

The kids love the ocean, the waves, the sand....not so much the saltiness that comes with it though. They have really enjoyed riding the waves on rafts and boogie boards. Lots of fun times with dear friends. Thought I would share a few pics of our fun-Grammy is a bit anxious to see them I think.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Deep Sea Fishing

We have all heard the bible verse "and he will make you fishers of men." Well today the Waggoners' were just plain "fishers" as we headed out to our first deep sea fishing trip aboard the boat Reel Believer. It was a true adventure lead by Captain Killingsworth and 1st mate Buttons. Yep, thats right, his name was Buttons. Super nice and a great pair who truly took time with the kids and let them truly find the fishers in each of them. Even Mom and Dad got to get in on the fun and caught a few. Alright, Mom beat Dad in the fish catching, actually skunked him pretty good. Dad just figured that the fish would rather be caught by a cute lady instead any ugly mug like mine. Either way, we all had a blast!!!

As you can see by some of the pictures we caught a bunch, and I mean a bunch of red snapper, a few mingo (pink fish, couldn't tell you much past that), one king mackeral (about 20 pounds), and a moray (the sucker fish that sticks to a shark, you know the one you see on animal planet all the time during shark week). The Princess is the lucky one who caught the moray, would not get near it, especially when the sucker part got stuck to the boat.

We then were blessed by a few dolphins that showed up. Abbie even fed one with a fish she tried to turn loose, it didn't quite make it-too small too keep so the dolphins got a snapper dinner. To top it all off all the kids were allowed to drive the boat, all 38' of it, Abbie was even allowed to go onto the top deck and drive from up there. Once back we cleaned our fish and enjoyed a dinner of fresh grilled snapper-so DELICIOUS!!!! What a day!

After such an exciting day we are wiped and heading to bed. Kade did ask me how long it will take for the ground to stop moving when he stands to go pee. He was the 1st brave soul to go to the restroom, while the boat was still going. I told him that I know he is a man but sometimes even a man needs to sit down to pee. 6 hours on a boat, no sea sickness, but all the kids can't quite turn loose of their sea legs.

More Adventures and pictures to come......this one was written courtesy of Dad before he heads back to work tomorrow evening.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Vacation time....

After many loads of laundry and lots of packing we are vacation bound. With all the excitement and anticipation of a road trip, new sites and lots of time to catch up with old friends....there is some 'ugliness' brewing. 'Ugliness' in our house is any behavior or attitude that is a bit undesirable.....from not sharing, hitting a sibling or calling one a name, being disrespectful.....the list could go on and on. Anyway, back to the point of this post. One child in particular is having a bit of a tough time with all of this vacation talk.....it is yet another adjustment, another unknown, another transition, a whole lot of unpredictability and a lot out of routine and comfort of the familiar.
So as we embark on our vacation my heart is aching a bit for 'causing' so much turmoil in a little life. I am praying that God will continue to provide us with the wisdom and strength to be the very best parents. I know we will have an amazing adventure and a few thousand pictures to share.

Monday, July 13, 2009

A girl and her dog


Our little princess has never been a huge animal lover, nothing in comparison to Big Sister, she mainly just tolerates dogs. Because we know she is not really fond of dogs, the thought of getting one bigger than her (95 pounds) caused us to wonder what she would think. That is why when we went to look at Boss for the first time we took Madison along. We figured pretty quickly we would be able to see if this dog would be an 'acceptable' addition to the family. Well it must have been love at first sight for the both of them-they are the best of buds. He follows her everywhere and will do just about anything she asks of him, including climbing a ladder into the tree house in our back yard. I am not sure what was funnier watching him climb up or Tony trying to convince him to slide down the slide to get out. We now have to make sure the 'trap door' is shut when we are not out there.

This weekend we took him to the lake and he loved it. He loves the boat and knows how to claim the 'best' seat in the front. I think he would swim all day if we would let him. Thankfully, he is pretty good at climbing the ladder of the boat to get back in too. The only 'trouble' we had with him was when the Princess got out of his sight. When she would jump in the lake and the boat would block his view of her-he whimpered and pranced around until he could see her again. I hope that he remains protective of her forever, especially come dating time ;-)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

A compliment......I think

Kade was spending some one on one time with a set of his grandparents, they were watching Wipeout when I came to pick him up. Of course he was not ready to leave and wanted to finish watching the show. We do not watch a lot of TV around here, especially during 'primetime' However, the giggles this show caused in Kade might make it worth it. For those of you who live under a rock like me, Wipeout is a show about adults trying to make it through crazy obstacles competing against one another in the hopes of winning some money.
On the ride home, Kade said "Momma, how come kids can't be on that show?" Followed by, "When I grow up, Momma will you be on the show with me....I think we would make a great team and be able to get through all of the challenges." My response-"I would love to be on that show with you, and I do we think we make a great team" He even came up with a team name for us-The Spear and the Sword-Why? "You're tall and skinny, like the spear...........and I am shorter and tougher like the sword." It's official my little gentleman knows how to get what he wants..............dish out the compliments to mom. :) I even got asked out on a date.
He is my one and only little boy and as much as he likes to have his 'guy time' with his Dad and Grandpas I am so glad he loves to hang out with his Mommy. He is growing into quite the young man, he has such a sweet spirit who deeply cares for others especially his family and his child like faith continues to amaze me. I am so blessed by having him as my son and love watching him grow up........as long as that doesn't happen too quickly. Who knows, maybe one day we just might be on Wipeout for you all to get some good laughs on our behalf.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Fun Morning with the Sitter

We are so blessed to have a wonderful college student hanging out with our kids one morning a week. She is always very hands on with them-doing fun things, making stuff, going places (yes with all four of them), just being and playing with them. She is great and the kids LOVE her. Today when she got to the house, I told her the 'rules' about J, how she was still suppose to remain 'inactive' that we were on day 6 of the tonsils/adenoids removal. She said "You think the museum is too much?" Heck no-enjoy! So off they went to the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History (at least that's what I think it is called) Abbie took her camera along and took a few pics (that's why there are none of her) of the kids pretending to be stepped on by the huge mammoth. They had a blast and weren't ready to come home. Thanks, thanks, thanks-wonderful sitter!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

July 5th Fireworks

It is truly amazing the changes that take place in just one short year. Last year, as I watched the fireworks or should I say slept thru the fireworks, I had just returned from Ghana. I spent an amazing week and a half serving the Ghanian people by distributing mosquito nets and falling in love with Ghana and her people. We flew home on July 3rd. So last year I was a bit sleep deprived and had a lot on my mind. There were forty kids sitting in a orphanage that not only needed families but many improvements needed to take place at the orphanage. My heart was still in Ghana, I was thrilled to be home with my family but the abundance of yummy homemade food was not only too much on my shrunken tummy but hard to accept knowing so many were going with out. But perhaps the biggest 'thing' on my sleep deprived mind was the little something my husband had told me just hours ago-"We are suppose to adopt Jennifer". My response-"I am not so sure that is what God is wanting, let's pray about it and see" (of course I had a thousand questions, 'what ifs' and she was not only over 3 years old, she was a 'she'-you see in my plans we would adopt someday-a boy under three. Well I think you all know that we followed God's path, not JJ's. Praise God for a husband who was listening and continued to pursue when I was still waiting for the clear sign from God of what we were to do (and as some of you know we were blessed with many 'rainbows' to remind us of His promises)
sorry for the blurry pics-but at least I took some
So this year as we watched fireworks-all 6 of us-on July 5th thanks to the rain last night, I spent the time thinking about what has transpired in one short year. We have been so blessed to have traveled the road of adoption that God has laid before us, continually paving the road. I am happy to say that 4 of the 40 children now have families!!! There is a local adoption agency pursuing Ghanian adoptions! I can not wait to see what the Lord has planned for our next year.

Friday, July 3, 2009

What has been going on


Sorry for the lack of updates. There has been plenty going on that is 'blog worthy' but I just have not taken the time to write. So here are a few blurps of what has been going on.
  • Jennifer has experienced another first-a boat ride on the lake including tubing. I think we have another dare devil in the family. We are amazed that 6 months ago she was terrified of the water and now she would swim all day if we let her. Unfortunately I do not have any pictures to share-I figured 5 kids, with one who had never been in a boat and two adults (one who is driving) was not the best time to have my face hidden behind a camera. Oh well, guess we will have to go again.
  • This past week was marked the year anniversary of meeting J. We have talked a lot about that day and I think she has enjoyed 'reliving' that day through stories and pictures. God is so amazing and His plans are so much better than our own. We feel very honored that he has led us down this adoption path and we now have another beautiful daughter.
  • Kade tried out a new sport and loves it! He went for an hour a day this past week to tennis camp. He has his own racket and loves to practice. He wants to sign up for another week.
  • I got to 'escape' for a bit with my college roommate-thanks husband! I am so blessed by our friendship and thankful that no matter how much time passes between conversations-we remain close. Between our four kiddos and her four (all a bit younger) we decided the last time we were together that if we wanted to finish a thought or conversation we needed some 'kid free' time. So our wonderful husbands said go and enjoy-we spent the day pampering ourselves, eating too much and ended the evening giggling like old times in a hotel room-we even slept in till 8:30AM!!! Amazing!
  • On Thursday J had her tonsils and adenoids removed-poor kiddo her adenoids were blocking her airway 75%. This should have many positive effects for her-two biggies being no sleep apnea and being able to eat and breathe at the same time. She unfortunately did not handle the anesthesia drugs very well and yesterday was spent throwing up all day-thank goodness for a leather couch and hardwood floors. After a great nights sleep, today she is doing much better and has eaten breakfast and lunch-woo hoo! And a visit by her favorite teacher (with some time playing one on one in the playroom with out your siblings) was a highlight in her day-Thanks to our favorite Kindergarten teacher who continues to amaze us with her love for our kids.
  • The pics in the slide show of K and J are of them sketching on the front porch. He has been so sweet with his sister-choosing activities that she can do with him. He really wanted her to play tennis-but since she is suppose to not be 'active' for 10 days he chose to draw. (not active for 10 days!!!!!!! I don't think they make enough drugs for her or I for that to happen. We are praying for some quick healing and no bleeding)
  • We are looking forward to celebrating the 4th and enjoying the fireworks-another first for J. I will hopefully take some pictures to share.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Basket Ball Camp

Abbie has a pink shirt and a green target jersey. I think you can pick Kade out.
This past week the older two have been participating in OU Women's Basketball coach Sherri Cole's camp. This is Abbie's third year and Kade's second. The kids love the camp, yet still have not had any desire to play basketball on a team. The camp is very well run with great coaches/counselors. Abbie was blessed by getting the same coach this year again. Her coach(who has been a OU player) was a senior this year and Abbie was sad to know she might not be at camp this year, surprise to Abbie she was. She has encouraged Abbie in so many ways and has helped her develop in many areas. Abbie and her have had a unique bond the last few years, encouraging one another with cards and little gifts. I was amazed by Abbie's playing ability during the scrimmages and her 'ears' for her coach. Whatever was suggested by her coach, she did. (you think she would like to move in with us and 'suggest' things to Abbie that she seems to ignore from me?)

Kade was one of three boys in the camp full of hundreds of girls. He didn't seem fazed one bit by it, shocker I know, poor guy living in a house full of girls ;-) I am sure the girls on his team were more 'bothered' by him being the only boy than he was. He even said he wished he could go to BB camp every week. He was eager to get there every morning and ready for the challenges of the day. He has become quite the little dribbler. I think the highlight of his week was beating Big Sister's team on the last day of camp.

Safety Town

Last week the little two participated in Safety Town. For those of you who are not around here, it a is a program that the mall (that's where it located) and the police depart put on to teach children how to be safe while riding/walking the streets. The 'town' has streets, sidewalks, buildings and a working traffic light and railroad crossing. The program is for kids entering or just finishing their Kindergarten school year-in hopes of keeping them safe getting to and from school. It is a wonderful program that has been around for years, I went when I was little (to bad I don't have a picture to share ;-)
Madison has been riding a bike in way or another since birth, we have biked back and forth to school a lot. She was really looking forward to finally getting to do something her bigger siblings have done, but I wasn't looking for her to 'learn' the road rules. She quickly learned that if she wanted to ride her own bike and not on the back of mine, she had to be a 'safe' biker.

Jennifer on the other hand, I knew she would be able to learn a lot. I knew this week she would be like a sponge soaking lots of 'new'. Learning about the street signs, the rules of the road, safety and the biggest obstacle-the bike. She worked very hard over the week and beamed with pride when she was able to make her bike do everything she wanted-as in move, turn, and stop(well sometimes stop).

The girls had a lot of fun and enjoyed the time together, I think.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Meet a new addition.....Boss


Boss is an 18 month old yellow lab, who is more white, who weighs about 90lbs. He is a big lover who loves to be in the water. The kids are loving him and he is wearing out Emma, the brittany, which is such a blessing. I am hoping he will make a great running partner, or maybe he will drag me down the street.

On another note summer school ends this week-which means yet again another transition.......preparing for a bit of behavior issues. Say some prayers please.





Thursday, June 18, 2009

Observations from the Splash Pad


not sure why the picture is so small, apparently I didn't do something right-oh well-just squint :)
I spent the afternoon at the city Splash Pad with the kiddos and some friends. FYI- a great place to people watch, almost as good as the airport. Not that people watching is a hobby, but it sure can be entertaining and apparently to my littlest one thought so, too. Here are a few of the statements I heard as we 'observed':

"Mom............that boy over there.......the bigger boy(meaning older)...........I like his swimsuit, but he really needs to pull his shorts up............doesn't he know his undies are hanging out?"

"Mom.............why do people smoke? Do they not know they are turning their lungs black and filling them up with yucky stuff?"
"Not sure why people choose to smoke, but you are right it is not good for you"
She then says "Maybe I should tell her, she might not know it's bad for you"
As much as I would have loved to watch that encounter take place, I didn't think this particular gal would be so fond of my princess giving her a little education on smoking. So I did not encourage her.

After she had been playing with a new friend she had just met, she came to sit with me and take a snack break. They had been filling cups with water and dumping them on each other and siblings. 
Very matter of fact she says "Did you notice she only has one hand?"
Me: "Really?"
Princess: "She just held the cup with one hand and used her other arm like a hand...........she didn't need two hands..................guess that's the way God made her."



Friday, June 12, 2009

Two Funnies.....

This picture doesn't have anything to do with either story but shows a bit of the sass and giggles that were part of our day.

Funny #1:Today at lunch out of the blue, Jennifer says, with a huge grin on her face,  "When I am big I am going to work at the ice cream store." Not sure where this thought came from, we weren't eating ice cream, or talking about future careers and I am not sure what 'ice cream store' she is referring to. But she confidently made a statement about her future and that makes me smile. Wonder if when she is wanting $ for a car, gas money, that certain 'must have' item, etc when she is teenager I can remind her about this plan to work at the ice cream store?

Funny#2: The three little ones were playing in the yard and were taunting one another in a playful way (some great game they made up) and the Princess with her hands on her hips full of attitude says to her brother "Oh yea........Pick on someone your own sizzzzzzeeee!" Which he found hilarious and bursts out in laughter-the Princess charges him and J joins in the next thing I see is a pile of children laughing with poor Brother on bottom. What a trooper he is being the only boy.