Anniversary...

It has been two years (and a few days) since bringing J home from Ghana. My oh my how life has changed for her....for us all...we have all grown so much. This is one of my favorite pictures, taken in the parking garage of the airport right after we landed, with 'Miss(y) America'

UGH! I wish someone would have told us that the anniversary date needs to be in the middle of NOTHING - as in pick a month when you have no other events/changes/etc to adopt your child. Whatever you do don't pick the month your oldest has a birthday (that is shared with Papa -grandfather), school gets out for 2 weeks, Christmas (all the hoopla of events that goes with that) throw in some presents and parties, extra work for Mom working at a church.....and what do you have.....a RAD in fine form. Now please don't go lecturing me, just venting a bit.

Of course at the time, we were just thinking "wow, do you really think we can bring her home before Christmas?!? yes we will miss performances, birthdays, etc".

In all seriousness, we wouldn't change a thing knowing what we do now.....well except for trying even harder to speed the process up and maybe bring her home in November ;-)

All that to say, those of you living with RAD or at least understanding it a bit, this month has been TOUGH. We knew going into to December that life will be hard, way too many triggers, way to many stressors, and too many distractions for us all. That being said, we also have been working really hard to provide the most therapeutic environment possible, while still celebrating another siblings birthday and the birth of our Savior. I could write a long list of crazy behaviors that have been going on but that is putting too much 'out there' for our family, times like this I wish this blog was a bit more anonymous for communicating with other RAD families. Because I know how much hope, encouragement, and strength I gain from reading other's stories-knowing that I am not alone in this parenting journey. Reading the everyday norms for those parenting kids from tough places, has helped me so much. I wish I could share more, in hopes that our stories would bring encouragement to others or at least the feeling of 'you are not alone' in this journey.

Thanks for reading my rambling thoughts. Anyone out there reading who has some ideas they would like to share during this extra crazy time-I WOULD LOVE TO READ THEM!

Man's Best Friend...

Not sure who is enjoying our winter break 'togetherness' more-

Boss makes a good pillow and his fur gives something for Brother to mess with while laying 'still'.

She is such an animal lover. Love the contentment on her face, if Boss weren't so cozy and sleepy I bet he would be smiling too. Our other furry friend, Emma was at my feet thinking my phone I was taking pictures with was going to be handing out treats, needless to say she was a bit disappointed-good thing she cant access the blog to be disappointed again for a lack of an appearance.

Catch up...

What a whirlwind couple of weeks-for the most part full of lots of fun and memory making. Hence, the lack of blogging. Currently, two are playing with a new craft set putting on a fashion show and two are playing the game Life....and I am enjoying the moments of peace while we spend the day in our pj's. So I thought I should post a little update.

Here are a few pictures of the goings on of the last few weeks.

Catching one of the beautiful sunset views from the back porch.

We are so blessed to be living in our dream home and have land to enjoy the beautiful 'pictures God paints for us' (according to the kids) each morning and evening.

Big Sister (second from left) in her Jester costume backstage.

We are so proud of her earning a spot and performing with Ballet Oklahoma. She took on a big commitment and was very responsible and mature, choosing to do her own make up and fly solo backstage. She was the youngest jester by 2-3 years, yet was told several times "I can't believe you are only in 5th grade". She is a remarkable young lady and quite the ballerina.

Big Sister's Birthday Party

Here are the party girls modeling their t-shirts they had just made.

Big sister throughly enjoyed her first birthday slumber party. What a wonderful group of girls she is friends with. We had a great evening celebrating her-making pizzas, cupcakes, t-shirts and crafts galore. Listening to the giggles and loud 'ssshhhh' coming from her room at bedtime was quite entertaining too.

In true Big Sister fashion-she shared her candles so all of her friends and siblings could blow out a candle too.

Last week was also had our children's program at church which began with a delicious dinner. Witnessed a bit of a modern day loaves and fishes story as folks kept coming in the door, yet the food that had been prepared for 130 never ran out for the 175+ who came. I love seeing the Christmas story come to life through the talents of our children. Through songs and lines they do an amazing job of sharing Christ's birth and memorize a lot of scripture in the process, embedding God's word into their hearts forever. And being in charge of it, I am also really glad when it's finished ;-)

Three of our four can be seen here in a rehearsal. Lots more great pictures on our church's website if you're interested in seeing more.

We spent one morning last week serving at a rescue mission to hand out food for Christmas meals. Cars lined up for miles to 'drive thru' and pick up chicken, bread, fresh veggies, and a box of canned goods. I could not be prouder of my kiddos (and niece) who braved the cold that we weren't quite dressed for (thought we would be inside) who lasted longer than many of the other folks helping. They greeted each car with a smile and a "Merry Christmas". I was blessed to serve along side my children and enjoyed seeing the smiles on other's faces because of their actions. I love the servants hearts our kids possess and all of the conversation that was sparked by all of the mornings encounters. I love how excited they were to serve and the joy they find in serving others.

'Armed' and ready for the next car to pull forward.

One of the many blessings of our new home is the ability to now host our family and friends. In our little old home, the six of us squeezed around the table and the one couch and chair in the living room didn't really provide for much seating. We enjoy opening our home to others, but with the addition of each child, space pretty much had inhibited our ability to host other families. Our parents have humored us in years past, joining us for a few cramped Christmas mornings of opening gifts, but we always moved onto one of their homes for mealtime. This year we were able to invite everyone to our house for a day full of family fun-coking together, gifts exchanged, games played....and we got to sit at a 'table' to eat! My sister and nieces spent Christmas Eve night with us, what a joy it was to see/hear 6 sets of feet running down the stairs Christmas morning.

A table for 18 to enjoy Christmas dinner together...IN MY DINING ROOM!

Enjoying the blessings God has given us, so thankful for spending time with family celebrating the birth of Christ.

Our First Baby is Eleven!

I find it hard to believe that our baby girl turns eleven today. Her arrival into the world, both the weeks before and the first few weeks of life, were not the easiest on Mom but she has 'made up' for it being a 'perfect' first born. She has grown into a beautiful young lady who is responsible, trustworthy, compassionate and of course a leader (yes outside of her siblings, too). She is a joy to be around. Her love of animals amazes me, she is still determined that becoming a veterinarian is the career for her, I am sure she will be a wonderful one, too. We often describe her as an 'old soul'. She could have been born a hundred years ago and wouldhave loved living on a prairie some where, absolutely content. She is an avid reader who devours books. She enjoys cooking and baking, especially with Dad and her Grandmas. She is a gifted dancer, who continues to amaze us.

This picture was taken this weekend on my phone as we celebrated her opening night performance in the Nutcr@cker she is in. I love the expression of total contentment on her face and in her body. Dad and Mom all to herself for the evening and a chocolate dessert on it's way.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl-we are s0 proud to be your parents.

More Car Conversations...

These two were playing some game with their action figure/fairy each had brought along for the car ride:

Princess: "That's impossible"

Brother: "Nothing is impossible with God"

Princess: "Well then why did someone invent 'impossible'?"

Brother: (giggling) "Ma, you don't invent words"

Princess: "Well SOMEONE had to come up with the word and if nothing is impossible with God.....well...why did someone make up the word impossible if everything is possible if God wants it to be......like if he wanted us to fly, he would have just spoken it and it we would all be able to fly....no need for special stuff"

Brother: "Huh, special stuff?"

Princess: "You know, no need for capes or special rocket booster shoes or anything....the sky might be a bit busy though."

I love listening to these two talk and play, they have such a unique bond. Unfortunately, they also know how to argue and bicker like any good sibling ;-)

(this picture was from a camping trip where he was teaching her how to shoot his toy gun)

My Brain...

Thank goodness for calendars, especially the kind that link to each other, the kind that I can carry in my pocket, the kind that let you set alarm reminders, and for a brain that has learned to put almost everything in it! I am not sure if it is 'mommy brain', my four darlings sucking my brain totally dry of the ability to remember, juggling their schedules, work, volunteering and subbing at their school-whatever the cause-I CANT REMEMBER things. I would love to share a list of things/events I have forgotten just in the last 2 weeks, but for some of you who read this I would be throwing myself under the bus (maybe for the second time) and I probably can't recall all I have forgotten!

This week and next is quite crazy in our house. On top of the usual holiday craziness-Big Sister is performing in Ballet Oklahoma's Nutcracker (which means 4 hour rehearsals on stage three nights this week and three nights next along with four performances-good thing she loves this and has such a wonderful attitude about being tired and missing out on other things), Big Sister also will be celebrating a birthday and is oh so excited about finally having a room/house big enough for a slumber party ('I'm only inviting 7 girls, Mom'), working at a church means lots of extra activities to prepare and be at the church for, and just to throw a bit more chaos into the next few weeks......J's anniversary (and all the 'fun' that comes with that-for those of you who read this and don't know about the 'fun' that comes along with celebrating an anniversary...feel free to ask me, but especially pray for us).

So my goal for the next few weeks is to remember to get the right kid to the right place and more importantly pick them up, finish the present shopping, enjoy the fun and fellowship of all the Christmas get togethers but most importantly to be still and prepare my heart for the arrival of the Christ child-providing both opportunities and being a model for my children to experience Christmas with their eyes focused on our Father.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Personalize a free ecard

Our 'we have moved/here is our new address/Happy Thanksgiving' card all in one (of course minus the address part for the blog-if you need it send me an email or comment)

A Sweet Smile....

Brother was sitting at my computer watching the screen saver scrolling through all the pictures. He was enjoying all the memories, seeing faces of friends who have moved away, remembering fun had on vacations, etc. I was enjoying watching his many expressions and giggles. I was cleaning the kitchen and he was giving me a running commentary of the pictures. He became silent, so I turned to see why-he had the sweetest smile on his face. I asked him what picture he was looking at. He said "This little boy Momma" as he pointed to the screen. The picture was of a boy I had captured a picture of during a trip to Ghana. "Why does that picture make you smile?" I asked. So sincerely he said "I was thinking about what it would be like if he was my brother.....I really wish I had a brother." He has been asking for a brother for quite some time, he reminds me to pray about it, he is. The last trip to Ghana, he said "Momma, I know you are not going to 'get' a brother, but could you please just be on the lookout for one. I have some baseballs and things I would like for you to take to some boys for me please." Upon my return after a big hug and a few stories shared, he asked "So....did God tell you that there was a little boy who needed to be a part of the Waggoner family?"

This little guy continues to amaze me with his incredible sweet spirit, his love for life and his ability to live every moment to the fullest.

Sad news...

This little girl's story was so incredibly heart breaking, as I learned what she had had to endure at such a young age, I was both sad and angry. As I looked back thru my pictures of her, I thought about the first time I met her. She could be described as quiet, a bit reserved and a bit 'empty'.....this precious child was brought to J's orphanage after being found alone, next to her mother's dead body. I cannot even begin to imagine all of the emotions this small child has endured, the stress, the heartache, the loneliness, the overwhelming fear.....I got word today that Hannah is no longer enduring any of these feelings. She has passed away, from an illness that was treatable if she had received the medical attention she needed. Once again, hearing her story makes me both sad and angry. Sad her life has ended so young, angry that if she had received the proper medical attention she would still be alive. So many thoughts and questions have flooded my mind today-one I would like to share-the thought that perhaps once again she can be found in her mother's arms, together forever.

Definitely struggling knowing Hannah's story is not unique-there are too many hurting children in our world, too many sick, too many who are parentless, too many who are forgotten.

Something to get stuck in your head...

Saw this video courtesy of another blog (thanks Corey) and wanted to share it, even if your kiddos have outgrown watching the show, none of us have outgrown the need to hear we are special.

Car Conversations....

Been a long week around here with little Princess having a fever since Sunday, but figured if I needed to take the time to post a little something so here are bits and pieces of some of the conversations taking place in our car (where we spend a minimum of an hour a day).

Princess: talking about a trip to the store "the isle was temporarily closed....only employees were allowed to go in it"

Brother: "Wow....you used some big words.....must be from all that reading you are doing now"

Big Sister: "You are working really hard at annoying me and ruining my day, and I am not going to let you....so stop talking 'cause I am not listening to you" (I will let you figure out who that statement was directed to)

Brother: (venting about his frustration with missions being cancelled due to the violence in Mexico) The people in Mexico who are hurting and shooting people for no reason better stop before I grow up"

Me: "Why is that?"

Brother: "Because I am going to serve in the army and I will tell everyone that is not fair....or ok.....they better watch out because when I come over there they will have to listen to me when I tell them to put their guns down..........there are people that want to help Mexico and these crazy people are in the way"

J:"Will you read this book to me?"

Brother: "Ummm....it has fairies on it"

J: "It's a comic book....just like the ones you like"

Brother: "Well...I guess I will read a page, but if it's too girlie you are on your own"

Now headed to bed and hoping for a full night's sleep........

Veterans Day...

Ya I know, should have put this up yesterday, better late than never. Papa (my Dad) came to the kids' school assembly honoring veterans. The picture, taken with my phone, doesn't really show the joy all five of them had. Thank you Dad for serving!

Why Am I Not Getting it?!

Ever have one of those days when no matter where you look, what you hear, what you read, conversations had- all have the same 'theme'. I am having one of those days, actually one of those weeks. So apparently, God is trying to teach me something and I am being a really slower learner in acquiring/receiving the knowledge. I am trying to be still and make time to seek and listen to Him, trying to have an open heart and willing ears to hear but am struggling. Struggling to make the time, struggling to keep my mind focused, struggling to learn what God is throwing at me thru friends, strangers, songs, scriptures, writings, etc. I guess as a mother of four, I am so used to multitasking my brain can't seem to function while focusing on just one thing. Why oh why am I not 'getting it'? Praise God that He is ever faithful and doesn't give up on us and He will continue using anything and everything to get my attention. I often wonder what would happen if I heard His voice saying the words I say to my children-"Look at my eyes, hear my words.....listen and obey" You think I would 'get it' then?!?

From Reading Other Blogs....

Sometimes I laugh, other times I cry, at times I would like to scream at my computer scream, I am often encouraged, I am challenged, I get great ideas....but perhaps the best feeling I 'get' from reading blogs is the feeling that I am not alone in this parenting journey of trying to balance life for all my children. A feeling that there are others who are struggling to be the very best mom to each and every child who calls them Mom. The following is an excerpt passed along to me from a friend who, thankfully, shares her 'finds' in blogs with me :-) Hopefully these words, written by a mother of a special needs child, will offer encouragement to you or make you think twice before you pass judgement on someone.....

She also has a brain that just malfunctions sometimes. When you see us in the store and she is in total meltdown don't give me nasty looks. Don't tell me that all she needs is a little discipline....
When I am out in public don't tell me I am "too hard" on her, that she is "just a kid." She is not just a kid. She needs boundaries at all times. Yes, I parent my children differently. My boys had the privilege of a healthy start in life. Their brains are healthy and normal. I don't love her less because I am stricter with her. I love her enough to parent her in the way that is best for her. Even if it goes against my normal style of parenting.
Have some patience with us in public. Don't assume you know a situation. Maybe when you see a Mom with a kid in total meltdown in public, instead of judging, give her a smile. It may make her day! It may give her the strength to keep helping her child grow to be her best!

You don't have to understand why a parent is parenting their children differently, just know that in most cases it is WAY HARDER to do so, but we choose to because every child deserves to be parented in the very best way for them. So offer a smile instead of a glare of judgement, it might just be the very thing that parent needs to get thru the moment.

Cleaning 101

WARNING: This post is about toilets, so if you don't want to read about ours then return another day ;-)

Oh the joys of multiple potties!!!!! We no longer have to stand in line for one, have our shower interrupted by someone (adding a not so 'clean' odor to the room), panic if the plunger doesn't seem to fix the clog, have to endure long nights of multiple sick ones crashing all on the tiny bathroom floor.......all these are a thing of the past and I am still only cleaning one toilet! Our new home has multiple toilets (AMAZING!) We are blessed beyond measure! Tonight the kiddos were assigned the task of cleaning their bathrooms, while under the watchful eyes of Momma. Our children have always helped clean, but never the toilet because I am using it and I want it clean to my standard ;-) Now that they are all upstairs and Momma has her own toilet, they get the privilege of cleaning their own. So over the last few weeks they have been asked to clean them but I haven't 'inspected' them. I figured since we have now been living here over a month, they might need a little adult attention. There must be something wrong with me but I enjoyed it-the comments they made, the questions they asked, the 'style' they used to clean...it was a new kind of Friday night entertainment. And I think Mom is a bit more appreciated for all the years I have cleaned their toilet. Without naming names....I think there might be a bit more daily attention paid to the happenings in the bathroom.

Friday night entertainment also included another rematch of swiffer hockey. The best $ spent to purchase more 'hockey sticks' Clean, dog hair free floors and happy, tired kids by the end of the game. A wonderful evening spent home as a family and I get to spend my Saturday enjoying the day instead of cleaning -laundry doesn't really count towards cleaning, or does it?......

Halloween Fun

A few pics of our Halloween fun, enjoy!

Hmmm......What to Post......

Well I could give you all a thousand reasons why I have not posted but they can all be lumped together in one word-laziness. Not that I have been sitting around being lazy, but life happens and the blog goes by the way side. However, this week especially I have been reminded of the power of words...their ability to encourage, to give hope, to lift another up, to keep in touch and to get to know another. The ladies bible study I am in is studying a book 'The Weight of Your Words'. It's as if God is using everything and everybody to get my attention right now about 'words'. Yeah, I am sometimes a bit of a slow learner and need to be hit upside the head or given a rainbow across the sky to get my attention (God is oh so faithful to this slow learner and has supplied these). In Ephesians, Paul writes: let no unwholesome talk come from your mouth, but only what is good for building another up......may they give grace to those that hear, encouragement for the moment. I have been challenged especially with the 'grace for the moment' part of this verse. The last few weeks have been challenging and I stopped counting the times that I can recall being anything but full of grace.

This week, I have been beyond blessed by the words of others, encouraged to know I am not alone on this journey of parenting (especially one with RAD), and I know my own writing can even be helpful to me.......so I am going to see if I can be a bit better at posting more than once a month or once every other month (think I have said that before). So if you have a topic/idea/thought for a post please share...if not plan to see some more pics of my kiddos.

To all those of you who have continued to check the blog despite the lack of posts-hope I brightened your day to see a post finally....to all of my new friends whom I will be meeting in person in a few short months welcome and I am looking forward to getting to know you! :-)

School has Started

Ready for the first day of school-and please note they are all FOUR smiling!!! 'Cause they have learned that dear 'ol mom will not stop with the pictures until I get one with smiles, so they decided to cooperate for the FIRST picture.....of course you can take one guess as to who they are laughing at. I love the attitude that is shown on the front row ;-)
Second day of school-sporting their school t-shirts. They have wanted to ride to school everyday while we are still living close enough to (yes that means we have not moved).

The kids are loving their teachers-blessed yet again by some amazing educators.

Still Reading?

Maybe someday I will post consistently......until then I guess check in sporadically and there might be something here to see or read ;-) For those of you who are wanting house pics/updates, hope to get some pics up soon, no we haven't moved in. I wanted to share a few pics from my recent trip to Ghana-my home away from home-I love that country!

Meet Fastina-an amazing woman with an incredibly big servant's heart-I admire this mommy of four, preacher's wife, seamstress, chef, who's love for God shines thru in everything she does.

The hours spent in the truck on the bumpy roads of Ghana with these 2 caused many aches and pains-from being bounced/shoved around and from abdominal muscles never meant to laugh so hard for so long! Amazing heart these two have for the Ghanaian people, love serving along side them.

Francis-my Ghanaian brother. Servant who consistently puts others needs/comfort first, has a huge heart for pregnant mothers-making sure everyone he saw received a net, and protector of his American friends.

Pediatric ward in a hospital we visited-80% of the patients are there because of malaria!!!

Want to help do something about that for $6, visit here: www.hisnets.org

One of the countless smiles, pure joy, contentment, happiness-the spirit of the Ghanaian people continues to amaze me, inspire me and something I long for.

Whoo-What a Week!

I will start by saying Tony is home from Haiti-WOO HOO!!!! First week of summer vacation+ Dad being gone+ house building issues= a bit too much chaos and stress, we have all survived though. Wanted to share some exciting pictures of Big Sister from this week. We just purchased her first set of point shoes, she is looking forward to dancing on her toes in a couple of weeks. Her wonderful ballet teacher meets each girl at the store so that she can help with the fitting, to make sure the fit is the best choice. You can see her in the background of the mirror-she is so proud of our beautiful ballerina-what a blessing she is to our family. Something I have realized several times in the last few weeks-my children are venturing and leading their Mom into unchartered territory! I have loved learning what they are passionate about. Looking forward to (The store wasn't really set up for picture taking of the monumental first time 'up on toes' so you will have to excuse the busy picture....I am sure her shorts don't help much with that either)

Missing One

This week Dad is out of the country serving in Haiti. A few months ago he told me about this trip and asked what I thought. Of course I said GO! But then again I am the girl who has always gone and wanted to 'go' any where to serve, anytime-anyplace. Missions is one of my passions, unfortunately something about being the mother to 4 slows the 'going places' to serve down a bit. Tony, however, is not the 'goer' nor is he the social guy who wants to be part of the group. Give him a quiet pond to fish in or a field to hunt in and nobody to talk to and he is definitely a 'goer'! So when he said 'I think I should go' with a group he did not know, to a place he has never been......I thought God is at work and was ready to pack his bags. Both of us knew that God was telling him to go and serve, opening doors and putting neon signs up just to make sure we got the message. Once again we didn't know the why of what God was calling us to do but indeed it was something we should do. Just in last days before he left did we start to see maybe the reason-he said 'God is saying escape.....concentrate only on me....serve my people.....be my hands and feet'. With running a really busy company (now that the weather has turned hot) building a house and being Dad- his plate has been overflowing (as in out the door by around 5:30AM and working until at least 9PM). I am praying that this week will recharge his batteries, refresh his spirit, that he will be able to truly unplug from the world, for him to be able to spend an abundance of time in the presence of the Lord and for him to have an open mind/heart to what God will be showing/teaching/revealing to him. Praying for the people he will be serving and helping, that they see Christ thru him. Thanks for joining me in prayer for him, the team he is with and selfishly for me too it's the first week of summer vacation (too much change for one little one), painting the house and trying to keep things moving with the construction of our new home. Hoping Tony will write a post or two on his return.

Look who has earrings and a new hairdo!

Hell0 Kitty Earrings

'Diamonds'

Big Sister and Princess have been longing for the week after the dance recital (need to post some pictures of that, someday) so they could cut their hair cut and their ears pierced. The cutting off of hair has become somewhat of a tradition, after needing it to be long enough for french braids and bun for recital time. Last Saturday we headed to get the hair cut first, so they wouldn't have tender ears, and then headed to the mall. Since the earrings have to stay in for 6-8 weeks and no earrings are allowed at the recital to protect the girls on pointe, about 2 months ago when they brought the idea up we marked the date on the calendar. Princess went first and was SO brave, even with a little mishap when the back of one of the earrings had to be put back on-OUCH! I thought for sure Big Sister would change her mind after watching, but she didn't! We had a fun girly morning and lunch too.

(Just in case you are wondering: J already has her ears pierced and according to her memory they "didn't use a gun to pierce my ears and it didn't hurt like yours".....really 'cause I am thinking that whatever they pierced with in the village HAD to hurt way worse-glad she doesn't remember. She spent the morning serving alongside Daddy, helping pick up some of the mess leftover from one of the recent tornadoes. Brother spent the morning at baseball practice and hanging out with Oma)

What a heart...

Proudly showing off the Game Ball he earned.

His first hit-a triple!

Coming home-making sure he had touched home plate.

So excited-celebrating on the way to the coach-who was jumping up and down with excitement for him. Blessed by some amazing coaches who are teaching a lot more than 'just baseball'.

We could not be any prouder of Brother. He has given it his all in baseball this season, stepping into a sport he has never played. After breaking his arm after the first practice, he spent the first game on the bench and in the role of bat boy and PLAYED the 2nd game of the season! Amazing....what we thought was going to be a REALLY long season with hopes of getting to play a game or two once the cast came off...the schedule was in our favor 3 weeks of games then 2 weeks of byes. Thanks to the crazy weather and tornados here (missing our new house by 1/2 mile and Tony's work by about 1 mile) a few games were cancelled. So after weeks in a cast, he has learned to throw again (fyi-if your kiddo breaks his/her throwing arm-do not let them discover a new way to throw with the casted arm) and is fighting through his tight arm muscles to swing the bat. This boy continues to amaze us with his heart and determination. He was 'rewarded' tonight with getting the honor of leading off the batting, getting a hit and ran his little legs off to third, and earning the game ball. I think he also had the entire stands cheering for him when he hit the ball-great team of parents. The coaches have gone above and beyond in teaching our little man about baseball, always making sure he has been included even while not being able to play and giving him extra attention to 'catch up' now that his cast is off.

Looking forward to the rest of the baseball season........well I think I am-there are 3 games next week and it is getting more humid and hotter around here by the minute.

Complete the Phrase

The following is an assignment that Big Sister brought home from school-amazing girl she is!

What I want most in the world is....to have no homeless people and no one to be hungry.

I feel sorry for....being cranky to my Mom, Dad and siblings.

If I was 21, I....would buy a Ford 4 wheel truck and horse trailer, with an apartment in it.

I wish I could....fly.

I like to eat....at Cattlemans Steakhouse (just like her daddy)

I would rather ....read than play video games.

I do not like to....do laundry. (just like her mommy)

We are so blessed to be her parents, she is growing into a remarkable young lady....way too fast!

The Two Lefties

Yesterday Brother got his cast off Grandpa got his permanent one on. They both broke both bones just above their wrist in their left (dominant). Thankfully little bones grow back together, older bones not so much. His bones needed a few pins to hold them together. Must say the little one has had a bit more of a positive outlook about the whole thing then the older one. But if he grows up to be like my father-in-law, I will be a lucky mom. Love these two and from this picture it is easy to see their love for each other.

Princess's Last Soccer Game

First Baseball Game

Brother had his fist baseball game tonight and was beyond excited ALL day long, so say the teachers who have kids on the team. I think he and his buddies talked a lot about it today. He continues to amaze me with his attitude. He could have chosen to be disappointed because he couldn't 'play', he could have chosen to complain about going to a game only to sit on the bench, but he chose to be excited to cheer on his teammates. He chose to be excited, loving and enjoying each moment. His coaches are wonderful and go above and beyond to make sure he feels like a part of the team. He was the 'bat boy' and he gave 100%, he cheered on his friends, and he LOVED every second of it, and somehow managed to come home looking like he had been on the field on night. Grass stains and all, guess we get to see how good I am at laundry.

(sorry the format on blogger is a bit crazy, but I wanted to share the pics)

Meet Samson

Yes it has been some time since I posted, guess one can blame......life. Brother is doing well with his arm in a cast and he only has just over 2 weeks left- woo hoo! He has done awesome-he has the most amazing attitude just taking on the world as a 'righty'. He only missed 2 baseball practices, he has been out there every week, even though the only thing he can do is practice catching. He has not said "I can't" because of his cast, his spirit and attitude continue to amaze me.

The house is still coming along. Insulation starts this week soon to follow drywall.....meaning the hours of painting are almost here. So anyone who reads this and lives in driving distance please join the painting parties with me!!!

Our newest member, no we do not have another child-at least not the human kind- Samson, born a week ago, furry small and black. He is a calf whose momma didn't produce milk, therefor he is a bottle fed calf. Imagine the joy of our oldest-she is in heaven. Thought I would share a few pics and a video if I am smart enough to get it posted-enjoy.

Notice J running out of the pic-that was about 2 seconds after the picture of her feeding him, he pulled at the bottle and she took off -no more feeding for her.

A Little Help....

We are trying something new for the kiddos having to endure some 'fit throwing'. We are in a little space-no place really to escape the sights, sounds, etc of one on a rage. Thanks to someone's blog I read (can't remember who or I would give them credit) we have started rewarding the ones having to listen and watch, wait patiently for Mom's attention, etc. They have been rewarded with some extra tv time, extra reading time at night, drink/dessert at S0nic.....So today Brother noticed that J was about to escalte-very in tune he is-so he says "Hey J....now would be a great time to throw a fit, because I would love some ice cream" She looked at him a bit shocked, I guess if I was looking in the mirror I would have seen a shocked face as well. He continued "If you scream and I have to listen to it, I get to help Mom come up with a reward for having to listen to it......I would like some ice cream". Well I guess his little challenge was enough to stop the escalating, she did not like that idea and kept her cool. A little later he said "well.....guess I can hope we get ice cream for dessert later". I think a little help from Brother is what I needed today and hope it works again.

Broken Arm

Brother broke his arm today during P.E. at school. Of course his left, thankfully he is a bit ambidextrous. Broke both bones just above his wrist. After a quick stop at the minor ER to verify a break with a scare of needing surgery, and a 9 hour stay in the children's ER, it is now 'set'. Thankful for that 'gut mommy instinct' that made me demand that an orthopedic see the x-rays and visit with us. Yes, I know kind ER doctor that you have seen lots of breaks, yes I know kids' bones heal quickly-precisly the reason I don't want it casted in a 'wrong' position, I can hear that it is a busy day in the ER and my kid's problem is minor, yes I understand I will have to wait for the ortho on call to come down.....but guess what this is my kid and he happens to be my most important 'case' and only the best care is what he will be getting and he will be looked at by a pediatric specialist 'cause I know my rights :-) I wish I was very wrong about the whole thing but "I told you so" doctor lady, thanks for semi apologizing. Bad break, needed to be straightened out or would have had a crooked arm and who knows what other side effects. We are home and he is finally resting peacefully. He is quite bummed after having his first baseball practice for his first season yesterday. He loved it and was so excited for the season. His first concern in learning he had a broken arm was baseball and not being able to write for school-letting his teammates/teacher down. He is such an amazing kid, with an incredible spirit and pain threshold. Hard to see my boy hurting and sad. Once again blessed by my children's great, caring teachers and baseball coaches all for checking in on him. Blessed that we dealing with 'just' a broken arm. Prayers please and thanks!

Fun Family Time

We had some much needed relaxing family time this weekend. Here are some pics of our fun at a friend's pond. Someday sooner than later we can be doing this on our own pond-YEAH!

Profound Words

Sometimes it amazes me, how many times I have to be given the same message to 'clue in'. Thankfully God just keeps sending messengers my way to drive a message home. There are a couple of people in my life who are able to see when they look at me or hear it in my voice that I am struggling. A simple "I am praying for you" without having to share what's on my heart, means so much to me and reminds me that God has surrounded me with His love. This week there have been several messengers as God is teaching me something, or trying to if only I would be a willing student. I would like to share a bit about two of the 'messengers'. One is a friend who is so incredibly encouraging, offering support, laughter, mini-escapes, loving corrections, always willing to listen, so much fun just to 'be' with and has truly come along side me in this parenting journey as adoption has changed that path. The wise words she shared with me this time (after she had listened to me purge about a rough day)...let's pray that "God will make the best choice the desire of your heart". What wise words! As I shared with her about struggling with a parenting decision, she didn't tell me one way was right/wrong, she didn't try and fix the issue, she didn't even tell me I was crazy :-) She simply said I will pray for confidence and wisdom about the decision and ask for God to make the correct choice the desire of you heart. If you are a parent, you know that some times it just stinks (at least if you are honest). Yes parenting is very rewarding, full of joys and precious times that I feel like I could not live without.....but other times are simply rough, hard and/or painful. What wise words to have been blessed with by a friend during a time of struggle. What are the desires of my heart?

Another messenger was a songwriter. Ever been driving along in the car when the words to a song simply floor you, cause tears to come to your eyes, cause you to go to the Lord right then?

I wish I was smart enough to link the song here for you, but I am not. However, I can share with you the lyrics that hit me head on and caused me to buy the song and listen to it a 100 times.

You know far better than I

And if destruction's what I need

Then I'll receive it Lord from Thee

Yes, I'll receive it Lord from Thee

And it's your eye in the storm

Watching over me

And it's your eye in the storm

Wanting only good for me

And if you are the war

Let me be the casualty

'Till I'm yours alone

I am only yours

I am yours alone. Lord

Hard to ask for, hard to long for.....is it really my desire receive destruction? Indeed when there is less of me there is more Him. Yet, is war and destruction in my life the only way I 'get it'...guess so. Guess when I am plugging along trying to do it all myself-solve all the problems, carry the load, be the 'wisdom' for the situation, fight the battles.....I get in the way. I long to truly receive the destruction as a gift, not as a hinderance.

So thankful for messengers who share God's word with me.

*This morning this verse was part of the devotion I was reading during my quiet time

"Dear...sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." James 1:2-3 (NLT)

Guess I am still in need of a few more messengers, guess I am a bit hard headed....shocker I know to those of you who know me ;-)

Car Conversations....

Yes we are in the car a lot! I was grinning from ear to ear while they were talking, I wish I could have recorded it-here is what I can remember-

Topic today:Heaven.

Brother: If I could take a picture of anything in the world......just one picture........it would be of heaven..then I could paint and draw more pictures of what it will be like.

Princess: I wonder if there will be cars, because if there are there could be car wrecks.......and that means tears and hurting and there isn't any of that in Heaven.

Brother: There HAS to be cars! (Nascar fan)

Princess: Well, apparently there must be cars......cause you like them a lot.......and Heaven is full of things that make you happy. Maybe there will be scooters.........those seem safer.

Brother: Scooters?!?! All six of us can't fit on a scooter!

Princess: We could each have our own. Besides we probably won't all get there at the same time.

Brother: I wonder how old we will be.......will we be kids........or old people.......I think I have too many questions for God when I get to Heaven..........I think I will talk his ear off.......it will take way more than 1 hour to ask all my questions

Princess: Good thing you will be there forever then.

Brother: It must be a really big place too cause there are a lot of people............well at least I think there are a lot of people that believe.........cause you have to believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins if you would like to get there....wonder why some people don't believe that.

Princess: I like to draw pictures of crosses........it reminds me of Jesus.......(as she is smiling) He died for me.

Brother: I think I will ask Him why He made things like mosquitos and why there are people who like to steal from others........I don't think I will remember all the questions I have to ask.......Mom you think you can remind me when we get there?

Me: I sure will try

Easter-He is Risen!

The weather today was absolutely perfect! What a beautiful day to spend outside celebrating our risen Savior with family and friends. This picture was taken at our church's sunrise service-God 'painted a beautiful picture' as my children say, we were blessed with quite a view as we gathered to worship. The air conditioner went out at church but thanks to this amazing heat and air guy I know and his great company before the end of service we were all cool again-Thanks Hubby for 'serving' not only rocking babies this morning but sharing your talents to help us all feel a bit more comfortable in our Easter attire.

The Easter egg hunt after our bible study ended with the releasing of butterflies-so fun! Tony's brother's family was in town and joined us for church-so we were able to worship this morning with all the cousins for the first time :-) So when you look at the pictures below-no we have not multiplied, just enjoyed our nieces and nephew. After church we went to the annual

Waggoner family picnic. I LOVE the extended family I married into. Some of the funnest, most gracious, giving people ever. Plenty of delicious food, a plethora of eggs and prizes for the abundance of children and lots of smiles and laughs.

Dinner Time

Tonight at dinner the Princess shared something she had learned at school. (a little background before you think I feed my kids only junk......we had a huge lunch after church so no one was really hungry for dinner but I knew we all needed something in our bellies or we would be rising at 2AM with grumbling tummies) So as we are fine dining on chicken nuggets, fruit, asparagus and cheese puffs...Princess proudly holds up a cheese puff that is extra long that is shaped like an "S". She says "Look I have an extra long puff and it is shaped like an S" We all admire and are a bit shocked thinking - how did that happen. A few minutes later she giggles and says the same thing again, proudly displaying yet another one. Well apparently dear ol' Mom and Dad are not paying attention. I said "What are you doing to make that happen?" Lots of giggles and she explains what she has done "Nibble off the end....lick it........nibble off the end of another one......lick it......then stick them together......like this" Proudly displaying yet again another "S". Dear daughter of mine, where did you learn this? Grinning from ear to ear she says "At school from M" (a little boy in her class who I will be nice to his parents and not put his name out there for the world to see) Oh the joys of the lunchroom :-) Sorry I didn't take any pictures, fingers were too cheesy to hold the camera.....not that I was making any 'S's" of my own.

Take the Time.........Please

So here's the deal, I wonder if anyone other than the few folks that leave comments (THANK YOU) ever read this blog. Awhile back I added a little widget thing to let me know where 'readers' are from so I know this is read occasionally. I have been amazed at where people have 'come from'. Canada, Moscow, England and of course the good 'ol USA. Regulars from:

Lots of cities in Oklahoma-Norman, OKC, Tulsa, Jenks

several from Texas-Arlington, Plano, Wylie, Dallas

Herndon and Reston, Va

Mobile, Al ;-)

Washington

Oregon

I laugh at some of the hits from g00gle, makes me also have to think about the words I type.

I know who a few of you are-but clueless to others. Would you mind taking the time to comment and let me know why you read-are you another adoptive parent, mom of a RAD kidddo, find our life fascinating ;-), our chaos makes your life seem normal, you are sweet family and like to keep up with us? Just curious, guess you get to keep reading even if you don't comment-but it sure would help with my curiosity. Thanks for reading!