He has Risen

Spent the day celebrating our Risen Savior among lightening bolts, thunder and rain ALL DAY-but much needed rain. Think this is the first picture taken of me and the kids.......in well ......way too long to remember so I thought it was worthy to blog about :-)

Sacrifices...

During this season of Lent we have encouraged our kids to make a sacrifice-either to go without something they really like/enjoy or to make a sacrifice by adding something to their day. I continue to be amazed by their sweet spirits and am so thankful at being able to get a glimpse into their walk with God. Big Sister announced pretty quickly that she was giving up all things chocolate. She is usually a thinker before speaking so I was a bit surprised by her quick response. She has amazed me at not only 'sticking with' her decision but she has very quietly and humbly turned down chocolate offered by others. She has not boasted, she has not announced to the world of her 'great sacrifice'.....she truly gets that her momentary sacrifices, her going without chocolate treats-pales in comparison to God's sacrifice of his Son.

Brother has given up cookies. This kid could be called the cookie monster. He loves to eat almost any kind of cookie and LOVES picking what sort of cookie he will pack in his lunch. He too is choosing to use this time of sacrifice to understand a bit more deeply about Christ's sacrifice. Of course they have also enjoyed teasing each other a bit too, but I think this just helps us all remain focused on the Lenten season.

I hope you too have chosen to go with out or add to something that will help you keep God the focus of your days as we journey to the cross, preparing our hearts for Easter morning. For no matter what we sacrifice it truly pales in comparison but hopefully encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Life on the Funny Farm

So if we are 'friends' on FB this post will not come as a surprise to you. Seems as though every time I go out of town my dear sweet husband makes a purchase that he knows I wouldn't 'approve' of. The first time I went to Ghana, via email I learned- -oh by the way I bought a Harley-he had buried that little tidbit in the middle of an email he sent. Guess he figured as I read the email with my preacher by my side I couldn't kill him that or the 24 hour time of travel to get home, he was safe. For my birthday he 'bought me' a donkey who happened to come with the name "Donkey" of course pronounced like Shreck. Way too many jokes about that one-thanks friends.

The latest purchase while I was out of town spending the weekend with amazing mommas, he and the kids bought all the fixings for chickens....how would mean 'ol mom make them get rid of all the goods. And now we have baby chicks, too many too count! I guess I should have known that finally getting the home of my dreams meant it was going to come with some new creatures...so if you come to visit don't be surprised if you are greeted with a big sign welcoming you to the Funny Farm! The lesson maybe you are thinking I should have learned: Don't go out of town. Well, forget that I need an occasional escape from the Funny Farm.

Would love some help coming up with something I could purchase/acquire while he is out of the country this summer.....any ideas?

Where to go....

When we started this blog it was to help keep everyone up to date about our adoption, of our newest family member, to help out of town folks up to date on the daily happenings of our family...often forgotten and neglected the blog posts kept getting more sporadic. I have been challenged to post more often.

I realize how much I NEED the posts written by a particular group of women, how much these posts have been uplifting, encouraging, refreshing, full of hope, sometimes bringing tears to my eyes at other times laughter...but always the feeling of I AM NOT ALONE!

Last weekend was spent surrounded by amazing mothers who 'get it'. A weekend full of acceptance and love, close to 70 women from all walks of life-varying ages, number of children, number of miles traveled, length of time on this journey..... all who love deeply and passionately love, who are not giving up, who have an unending amount of patience (yes ladies you do) and acceptance. What is the one thing we all have in common....we are mothers to a child(ren) who is a survivor of early trauma, children with attachment issues. Our children are not identical but they are similar and the 'crazy' they add to our homes is something that only those parenting truly 'get'. I am blessed by wonderfully supportive parents and friends (some who have done almost as much research on RAD as I have) but have never met (as in the flesh) another momma of a RAD kiddo until last weekend.....thanks to this amazing woman Corey. She and a handful of others gave so much of their time, energy as they poured themselves into the behind the scenes as they planned a weekend to bring together other mothers like themselves, for that I will be forever grateful!

Not sure what the future of this blog is but know that there are women who continually encourage me and I am sure there is something I could write to encourage them...

Our First Annual (hopefully) Ski Trip

Sorry for the crazy layout of the pictures/video, blogger and I aren't getting along.

We took the kids skiing for their first time and they LOVED it! They were truly sad when our last day was over and are already scheming on how to go back. Having a husband who'sbusiness is the busiest during the summer time, makes it difficult toget away. So we decided to pull the kids out of school for 4 days and enjoy some wonderful quality family time and thanks to the crazy weather we have been having here the kids only missed 2 days due to school being cancelled for snow.

We couldn't have asked for better weather-a fresh foot of snow the day we arrived and beautiful sunny skies. On the third day we were able to go to the top of the mountain and enjoy skiing down together many times-what a blessing! Of course RAD yuck tried to sabotage our fun but the yuck wasn't successful only dampened some of her fun.

Some tubing fun. LOVE the picture of Big Sister and Princess-their faces are so sweet! The kids even shared their tubes with Mom and Dad a time or two.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Dad and the Little Sisters

Our city hosts a wonderful evening for Dads and Daughters to get dressed up and dance together. What started as something quite small a few years ago has become quite large and is now three different dance times held in the ballroom of a local hotel. From what I am told (no moms allowed) there are tables of cookies and punch and a big dance floor that is never empty. What a wonderful evening Dads have for setting the bar high in teaching their daughters about dating. From such a young age our girls have learned from one of the best as to what to expect on a date-100% gentlemen, opening doors, flowers, compliments, etc. I love the fact that Dad will dance for hours with his little girls, even when I can't get one dance out of him at awedding. He truly makes them feel like princesses. Although, he takes the girls on individual dates throughout the year, this evening is indeed special for them all.

The Princess

The Ghanaian Princess

This year he took the little two to the first dance, picked up the oldest and took them all to dinner and then took Big Sister to the last dance. I am sure she is getting close to getting to the age of not wanting to go dancing with Dad, but not yet-he is still the guy who holds the moon in her eyes.

I am not sure who this young lady is and what she has done with Big Sister!?!

Perhaps, what I like most about this evening though is I get a date with my little man out of it. He is such a gentleman-opens my doors, pulls out my chair, let's me order first, holds my hand, etc. Tonight he had two things on his date night list: to go to a restaurant that serves fried okra and cinnamon rolls(at first it was jello) and to rent a movie. After dinner I asked him if he wanted to go anywhere else and he said "Let's just go home....turn on the warm blanket and snuggle watching a movie". What a perfect night we had and I think we are the only 2 in the family who will be able to wear shoes in the morning, a lot of tired dancing feet in this house.

Brother and his Date

Another snow day

We were at least able to get outside today, even though it was just in the single digits, the wind wasn't blowing 50mph. The kids actually went out several times today, not able to last more than about 30 minutes at a time though. School is out again tomorrow, but hoping to make it to the library that is opening late tomorrow-kids are really wanting some 'new' books to read. We have played, I think, every game we own. Guess that's what happens when you don't have 'tv'. Seriously considering fixing that if this winter keeps up like this. Getting 'new' books and out of the house.....I think I just might survive. I am betting there will be no school until next week, however I read there is more snow in the forecast for Sunday/Monday, ugh!

BLIZZARD

Here in the South we are not used to snow blowing sideways. It started last night about 10PM with sleet, thunder and lightening. Then came the 45+mph winds and snow. Now waiting for the wind to slow down enough so the crazy kids can bounce around outside in the snow. We are all placing bets on how many days the kids will out of school and the town will be 'shut down'.

Brother is Nine!

Our one and only 'little man' is nine years old today. Didn't think it was a monumental birthday or at least one that I would have trouble with until thinking that meant next year he would be in double digits....meaning he would no longer be a 'little kid'. He is such a remarkable sweet spirited guy. I am so thankful we were blessed with such remarkable weather for January yesterday. All of our kids were excited to have a 'home' birthday party this year, since we now have space to have friends over, however he wanted his outside. Leading up to this week we have had some snow, some ice, and a lot of cold wind this winter. I had been preparing him to adapt his perfect party plans to include a lot of inside games. Yesterday though was a beautiful 75 degrees! An absolute perfect day for an outside party (pictures to follow-maybe)-nerf guns, capture the flag, airplane flying and lots of running. Returning home from his basketball game he says "Mom, God sure is blessing me today....I made some baskets in my game and I was only hoping to make one...we won our first basketball game...and this weather is just beautiful for my party...God sure is good to me!" I love my son's heart.

He is a compassionate kid who honestly hurts when he sees others hurting. He loves life and lives in every moment. He easily gets excited over the littlest things, reminding us all to find joy in the little things. Every morning he comes hopping down the stairs, fully dressed for the day with a smile on his face and greeting me with a kiss and a "Good Morning Momma!". I hope he never out grows my morning greeting. He has the attitude that he can do anything he sets his mind too, regardless of how skilled he is at the task he doesn't shy away. He is an outspoken voice and leader in the classroom/playground, often speaking up for the guy/girl who is being left out. He loves his sisters, some days more than others. The princess holds a special place in his heart though, I can not wait to see how their unique relationship grows and matures.

He is a gentlemen-opening doors for me and others. He is a physical touch kid who has no concept of personal space, he prefers to be touching you in some way-whether leaning on you, mauling all over you, or holding your hand. I admire his love for life, his confidence in the Lord, his excitement for meeting Jesus face to face in Heaven. It is indeed an honor to be his Momma, thank you God for blessing me with such a remarkable son!

The Princess's Bear Party

Our Baby is Seven!

I tried to go thru pictures and pick my favorites of our Little Princess over the last year to share, but I couldn't narrow them down....so maybe in my free time today between Brother's basketball game and throwing a birthday party I might post more (don't hold your breath!). I really find it hard to believe that our 'baby' is now SEVEN! She is such an absolute joy, all the time. She is a momma's girl and doesn't hesitate to let you know. However, she loves to tease her Daddy about this little fact. Yesterday, he brought her Chick-Fila to school for a birthday lunch and I'm not sure who enjoyed their 'date' more. Our Little Princess loves to laugh and keep us all in stitches. She loves her siblings and gets along with anyone. Yet, she is an incredible judge of character and always has been. One can not fool this girl very easily. She has such a caring heart and wears her emotions on her sleeve. She is a crier, especially when one she loves has hurt her feelings. She is her Brother's biggest fan-their relationship is so precious. She is able to bring a smile to all of us when down or sad. She is quite the athlete, exceeding at almost anything she tries. She is a tomboy who loves to wear skirts. She loves shoes and would have a different pair for everyday of the week. She loves to draw, color, paint and make masterpieces. She loves to sing and currently wants to be a singer when she grows up. She is an amazing little girl, who we are blessed to be able to parent. But perhaps my greatest joy is her heartfelt prayer of 'thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me' every time she prays. Happy Birthday Baby Girl! I pray that your Birthday is all you hope it to be :-)

Ice Day

Today the kiddos were out of school for what is called a 'snow day' but unfortunately there was not enough fluffy white stuff to enjoy, just a nice layer of ice covering everything. This Ice Day however was a blessing for our family, each child for a different reason.

Little Miss Princess woke up with her tummy hurting and spent most of the day wanting to cuddle with mommy. This was not the 'I want to be close to you' kind of cuddling, this was the "I want to be an appendage of you' kind of cuddling. Which for the most part I throughly enjoyed because my baby will be SEVEN on Saturday! :-( So I think a day at home was just what she needed to help her get thru the next couple of days and be healthy for her birthday.

Big Sister actually slept in! This girl gets up like clock work, but not this morning. She spent the first few hours of her morning snuggled in bed with a book (or two or three). She stayed in her pj's all day including going out to feed the horses-quite a site when you add a coat, gloves, hat and boots! She eventually took a shower and got dressed for ballet only to come home to quickly put on another pair of pj's. When I tucked her bed tonight, she said "I am really glad we had today to do 'nothing' I needed it."

Brother slept in too! This little guy comes downstairs by 6:45AM every morning dressed, including shoes. Today he followed Big Sister's lead of donning pj's all day. He is typically always in a room with someone, even if doing his own thing, he likes being in the presence of others. However, today he spent several chunks of time alone. He had a bit of a crazy day at school yesterday with a sub and I think he truly wanted stillness/quietness today. His day ended with Mom cuddling in his top bunk and a smile on his face.

Our Ghanaian Princess, was already planning on spending the day at home with Mom because of her week thus far at school and her teacher being out. So we had all of our school work ready to go. I thought we would not 'do school' as long as she was making good choices and not trying to ruin her siblings day. Well, let's just say school started after breakfast. It started and ended with counting coins. Something she is quite capable of doing but has been playing 'dumb' at school when asked to complete her math work. I will spare you the painful details of the day-including the repetitiveness of what each coin is worth, the touch points of the coin to remind you in case you forget how many cents it's worth, how to count by 1's, 5's, and 10's, etc. This girl had decided she was not going to do her math correctly and worked ever so diligently at doing it wrong.....then my knight in shining armor arrived-DAD! He stopped in after lunch and said "Looks like you need to come to a quieter place to get your work done, gather up your stuff you are coming to work with me" Well let's just say she doesn't care too much for this plan-Dad has a desk in his office set up in the corner just for times such as this. After a few hours of a very peaceful house (and spirit) we headed to Dad's work to bring her home so Dad could go to a meeting. She had continued to work VERY HARD at not getting a single answer right! But Mom was now refreshed :-) Back at home, the siblings and mom settle in on the couch to have a movie and popcorn snuggle fest, while she enjoys her popcorn with her math problems. In TEN minutes this girl completed 90% of her math......the same problems she had spent HOURS on all day coming up with every possible answer but the correct one. UGH! Why oh why?!?!

"I see the movie was quite the motivation for you to turn your brain on, you have now proven to yourself and mom you do indeed know how to do this....and for proving yet again that Mom is right in the fact that you are indeed a very smart, capable girl and whose mother is very stubborn who loves you more than you will ever know!" To which she smiled really big and said "I know.....love you Mommy."

Car Conversations

Conversation between our oldest and youngest:

Princess: Why do we call slippers... slippers?.....I KNOW you 'slip' them on your feet but why the 'pers' part? (said in the cutest voice ever)

Me: Great question, not a clue though

Big Sister: I think you should ask why the 'ers' the 'p' belongs with the slip part

Princess: Nooooo, they are slip-pers

Big Sister: Ma you are too funny

Princess: Are you using sarcasm? 'Cause I really am funny....but this is a serious question

To which all three of us burst out laughing. Oh the conversations which take place in the car.

The Power of the Tongue

In the ladies bible study I am in, we are studying the power of the tongue, the weight of our words, and the power/control words have. It is truly amazing how many times the bible references our tongue, our speech, the power of words. Now I know this should not come as a shocker but when you spend weeks studying it, it is amazing. Truly amazing the power of our tongue and amount of scripture referring to it. God has given us a powerful tool, a weapon, we call it a tongue. We have the ability to lift others up, to encourage, to bring hope, to share God's grace and forgiveness, to build another up, and to be a breath of fresh air. We also have the power to discourage, to break, to destroy, to spread lies, to cause pain, to tear down, and to spread evil. It is our choice, every single time we open our mouths, we have the ability to choose to spread love or hate.

This week we looked at how pride, fear and anger are displayed/masked in so many ways. As we discussed/shared ways we see this in our life-personally, in our family, in our work place, etc. my mind stayed in 'parent mode'. The last 72 hours have been filled a bit too much with crazy RAD behavior in our house. All of the examples that were coming to my mind dealt with RAD-the effects on J, on our other kiddos, on our family. God has blessed me with a tongue-am I being a blessing to others with it? I definitely feel the Lord challenging me to take a closer look at the weight of my words, the power they have and how much thought I put into or the lack thereof.

Top 10....

(Thought this was posted a few weeks back, but just found it in the drafts section-since I forgot though, I am now able to include a Christmas morning pic with the bunny she wanted)

As a part of Little Princess's first grade class they have a Top Ten page as a part of their writing center each week. They are to write 10 sentences about whatever the topic/theme is. Sometimes they are quite humorous, sometimes you can tell she is trying to finish quickly, and sometimes you get a glimpse into her heart. She has a wonderful teacher who writes comments back to the kids about her favorites of their Top Ten writings.

Want to share a few from the last couple to come home-

Top Ten Presents/Gift:

She started with a list of "I want..... a bunny, a game, a puppy and then

'Love'
'A happy family'
'Good food'

To which her sweet teacher responded with "I think you are a lucky girl to already have some of those gifts."

Top Ten things about Christmas:

'It is Jesus' birthday.'

'There are smiles all around.'

'I like Christmas.'

'We celebrate.'

'Christmas is the best.'

What a sweet spirit she has and I am thrilled to see it coming out in her writing.

Baby!!!!

No we are not having one! We got to love on a special one though, and a very special little guy indeed. His initials are JJW which just so happen to be mine :-) and his mom is someone who we count as a 'Waggoner'. She has been a apart of our lives since she was 15 and now she is all grown up with a little one of her own. She is an amazing woman and already a wonderful mother. As you can see from the pictures, he is just perfect and just a bit loved by us all. Somebody was a bit of a baby hog though, and it wasn't me for the record.

No longer the littlest one.

The Baby Pro-she is so confident and capable with even the littlest ones.

And for the one who is oh so proud to call this little guy his very own God-brother (and the one who was the baby hog).

We all got our turn, some long enough for a picture to be taken, others not so much. All of us can't wait to watch this precious little guy to grow up and join in the chaos we call family.