the Hallelujah chorus singing & rejoicing because 1) Shakira had a dry & poopy free pull up for over 24 hours & 2) Caleb went one whole day without going to time out or having any other discipline & 3) we had a 24 hour period when none of the children went to time out or had any other discipline...truly great reasons to sing, "Hallelujah!"
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
First glimpse...
of Halloween for our Haitian trio. We had a Trunk & Treat at our church yesterday. They were real excited to get dressed up in costumes but really had no idea what they were getting ready to do. At first they didn't know what to think but then after they realized they got candy at each car, they were super excited!
Saturday Morning Stretch...
Sass & I doing our morning stretches this past Saturday. Isn't he cute? :o)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Calm in the midst of Craziness...
I want to thank all of you who have been geniunely concerned about my absence here & elsewhere. I am well but having a hard time finding the time to "catch my breath." In the past 6 weeks I have made 3 road trips to MO, & I am finding it difficult to catch up on everything. I do not have anymore planned road trips until Christmas Day so hopefully I'll be able to catch up soon.
I also want to thank everyone who prayed for my mother's back surgery. It went very well & so far she is having a very good recovery. She still has 3 more weeks until she goes back for her second check up to see if she can be released to go back to work. Please pray for her to be filled with peace & joy during this time. She has a hard time not working, & being by herself. She's also in a catch 22 with my Grandmother. She wants to spend time with her because we know that my Grandmother doesn't have that much time left but it's so hard to be with her. It's painful to see her so confused & frail, as well as her being so mad at us. I would appreciate continued prayers for my family regarding this.
This past Friday & yesterday were the girls Fall Break from school. We left for MO Thursday evening & returned home last night. It was our first "real" trip with all 6of us. We were pleasantly surprised about how well the kids did. It seemed like a very short trip...and a very long trip all rolled up in one! The drive there seemed like it took three times as long as it normally does & when I took my 2 mile walks they seemed like at least 5 miles, not because of the walking but because of the talking. The "talking" in my head.
For those of you who know me well, you know that I have never really "liked" the town I was raised in. I never felt like I "fit into it" & it never really felt like "home" to me. As I grew up & then moved away, the feelings became even more pronounced as I saw vast differences in the town & where I was living. A couple of the differences in my home town are good, but most of them are bad...at least in my mind. So needless to say, I struggle every time I go to visit. The prior trip to this last one...the one where Caleb & I went after my mother's surgery was very hard. It was during that trip that I experienced first hand how "ugly" it can be. The racial hatred was unbelievable as people jumped to all kinds of "ugly" conclusions as they saw Caleb & me by ourselves. One situation was even down right scary as I feared for our safety...and most of you know that I don't scare easily.
I returned from that trip very unsettled & actually stating that I "hated" that town...something I have never done before.
Randy assured me that this trip would be different because he would be there. It was but I think it had more to do with that we didn't really venture out anywhere except to visit our family & to go to church. So as I took my 2 mile walks by myself, I had a lot of "talking" going on in my head & my heart. I don't think I came to a full resolution of my thoughts & attitudes but I know that I am making progress.
We had a great time visiting with Randy's family & mine. Randy's mother's side had a family reunion on Saturday & it was great to see Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins that we don't get to see very often, as well as Randy's siblings. It was there first time to see our family complete. We also got to spend some quality time with some old friends which was really nice.
We are switching gears again in our routine at home. As of last week, Samara switched to morning pre school because there was just too much schedule conflict in the afternoon. They didn't have a pre K spot open in the morning so we put her into another class that had an opening & we can move her back into Pre K if a morning spot opens up. All the teachers at this preschool are amazing but the one that Samara has now is my favorite. I want to be like her when I grow up :o) I actually think this class is going to be a better "fit" for Samara & she says she likes it.
Caleb will now have me all to himself twice a week in the mornings. This morning was our first together & it went well. Shakira is on her first field trip right now. Her class went to a corn maize & pumkin patch. I'm sure she is having a blast! I think for the most part Shakira is doing well in her class. She has her re-evaulation this Thursday to see what improvements she has made since the beginning of school.
Report cards should come home this week. The last time I checked, Phoebe had all A's. She likes school a lot because she likes to learn & is a social butterfly. Her favorite subjects are reading, spelling, & math. She has to be reminded to not talk so much...hmmm, I remember having the same problem in school :o)
As the world tries to overwhelm me with crazy schedules, mean people, & family issues, I continue to find calmness & sanity in my Lord. He is the calm during the storm & in the aftermath. Today's devotion by Dr. David Jeremiah re-inforced that to me. I hope it's a blessing to you as well.
You're Outta Here!
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2
Recommended Reading
Matthew 14:25-33
At a high school basketball game earlier this year in West Burlington, Iowa, an umpire stopped the game and ejected…not a player or a coach; he threw out the whole crowd! The spectators were out of control. After clearing the room, the referees resumed the game.
Sometimes it'd be great to clear the decks, throw everyone out, delete the e-mails, cancel the appointments, send the kids packing, throw away the bills, and get rid of the pressures. We identify with the title of the old movie, "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off."
Since our world seldom stops and since we can't always "clear the room," we have to keep our eyes on Christ and press on. How important to learn to stay focused on HIM. When Peter was trying to walk on Galilee, he was distracted by the wind and spray; but as long as he kept his eyes on the face of His Savior, he stayed above the water. If you can't eject the crowd or escape the pressures, keep your gaze on the Galilean.
"When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay." Edward Mote
I also want to thank everyone who prayed for my mother's back surgery. It went very well & so far she is having a very good recovery. She still has 3 more weeks until she goes back for her second check up to see if she can be released to go back to work. Please pray for her to be filled with peace & joy during this time. She has a hard time not working, & being by herself. She's also in a catch 22 with my Grandmother. She wants to spend time with her because we know that my Grandmother doesn't have that much time left but it's so hard to be with her. It's painful to see her so confused & frail, as well as her being so mad at us. I would appreciate continued prayers for my family regarding this.
This past Friday & yesterday were the girls Fall Break from school. We left for MO Thursday evening & returned home last night. It was our first "real" trip with all 6of us. We were pleasantly surprised about how well the kids did. It seemed like a very short trip...and a very long trip all rolled up in one! The drive there seemed like it took three times as long as it normally does & when I took my 2 mile walks they seemed like at least 5 miles, not because of the walking but because of the talking. The "talking" in my head.
For those of you who know me well, you know that I have never really "liked" the town I was raised in. I never felt like I "fit into it" & it never really felt like "home" to me. As I grew up & then moved away, the feelings became even more pronounced as I saw vast differences in the town & where I was living. A couple of the differences in my home town are good, but most of them are bad...at least in my mind. So needless to say, I struggle every time I go to visit. The prior trip to this last one...the one where Caleb & I went after my mother's surgery was very hard. It was during that trip that I experienced first hand how "ugly" it can be. The racial hatred was unbelievable as people jumped to all kinds of "ugly" conclusions as they saw Caleb & me by ourselves. One situation was even down right scary as I feared for our safety...and most of you know that I don't scare easily.
I returned from that trip very unsettled & actually stating that I "hated" that town...something I have never done before.
Randy assured me that this trip would be different because he would be there. It was but I think it had more to do with that we didn't really venture out anywhere except to visit our family & to go to church. So as I took my 2 mile walks by myself, I had a lot of "talking" going on in my head & my heart. I don't think I came to a full resolution of my thoughts & attitudes but I know that I am making progress.
We had a great time visiting with Randy's family & mine. Randy's mother's side had a family reunion on Saturday & it was great to see Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins that we don't get to see very often, as well as Randy's siblings. It was there first time to see our family complete. We also got to spend some quality time with some old friends which was really nice.
We are switching gears again in our routine at home. As of last week, Samara switched to morning pre school because there was just too much schedule conflict in the afternoon. They didn't have a pre K spot open in the morning so we put her into another class that had an opening & we can move her back into Pre K if a morning spot opens up. All the teachers at this preschool are amazing but the one that Samara has now is my favorite. I want to be like her when I grow up :o) I actually think this class is going to be a better "fit" for Samara & she says she likes it.
Caleb will now have me all to himself twice a week in the mornings. This morning was our first together & it went well. Shakira is on her first field trip right now. Her class went to a corn maize & pumkin patch. I'm sure she is having a blast! I think for the most part Shakira is doing well in her class. She has her re-evaulation this Thursday to see what improvements she has made since the beginning of school.
Report cards should come home this week. The last time I checked, Phoebe had all A's. She likes school a lot because she likes to learn & is a social butterfly. Her favorite subjects are reading, spelling, & math. She has to be reminded to not talk so much...hmmm, I remember having the same problem in school :o)
As the world tries to overwhelm me with crazy schedules, mean people, & family issues, I continue to find calmness & sanity in my Lord. He is the calm during the storm & in the aftermath. Today's devotion by Dr. David Jeremiah re-inforced that to me. I hope it's a blessing to you as well.
You're Outta Here!
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2
Recommended Reading
Matthew 14:25-33
At a high school basketball game earlier this year in West Burlington, Iowa, an umpire stopped the game and ejected…not a player or a coach; he threw out the whole crowd! The spectators were out of control. After clearing the room, the referees resumed the game.
Sometimes it'd be great to clear the decks, throw everyone out, delete the e-mails, cancel the appointments, send the kids packing, throw away the bills, and get rid of the pressures. We identify with the title of the old movie, "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off."
Since our world seldom stops and since we can't always "clear the room," we have to keep our eyes on Christ and press on. How important to learn to stay focused on HIM. When Peter was trying to walk on Galilee, he was distracted by the wind and spray; but as long as he kept his eyes on the face of His Savior, he stayed above the water. If you can't eject the crowd or escape the pressures, keep your gaze on the Galilean.
"When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay." Edward Mote
Friday, September 25, 2009
My Mom...
My sweet, sweet mother had back surgery yesterday. She had a fusion at L4-L5, with a widening done at L3. We decided that it would be better for me wait a couple of days to go MO so I could spend the majority of my week long visit when she was at home & would need my help because she lives by herself. My aunt works in surgery at the hospital where she had surgery so the surgeon let her call me & give me the "run down" of how everything went. The surgery went well but she is has been very nauseated from the anestesia. Please pray for her nausea to subside as well as a smooth & quick recovery. Please also pray for travel safety & health as Caleb & I travel to Mo tomorrow & will return on the 4th. Thanks!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Too cool for school...
A little over two weeks ago, we had Shakira evaluated for ADHD. We waited until three weeks after school started because we wanted to see how she would do in school & have a baseline for comparison. It was quite apparent to both Randy & I, & her teachers that Shakira's learning was going to be very limited if she continued to have only a 3-5 second attention span. The pediatrician asked if I was willing to try her on some medicine for ADHD. I told him that either she needed medicine or I did...but one of us needed to be on meds :o) He said that we should start with Shakira first :o) The difference after she started the medicine was immediate & amazing! It's still sort of odd not seeing her "bounce all over the place" but it is very refreshing to see her calm & able to complete tasks.
She showed such a huge improvement at school that they decided to go ahead & move her to full day class (which she started this past Monday) instead of waiting for her re evaluation in mid October. Shakira really likes going to school all day. She also likes riding the bus to & from school. She doesn't care that it's the "short bus" for special education students...she's just happy to be on the bus!
She's looking more & more "grown" every day. I continue to pray that her learning will catch up with her physical growing. She has so much potential & I know God has many things planned for her that will be used for His glory.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"It's Out!"
After 20 years hanging out in a box, I let my wedding dress out so the girls can play dress up with it :o)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Happy Birthday Handsome Man!
Happy Birthday Randy...a day early! I'm sorry that I can't be here to celebrate it with you...I think a first since we've been together...but we will celebrate together Friday evening. I love you very much & I pray that you have a wonderfully blessed day.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Sass!
Happy 14th Birthday to the best cat ever!!! I know you are slowing down but you are still a huge blessing to our family! Glad you liked your birthday present (can of tuna)! :o)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Happy Birthday Girls!!!
Well, the long awaited day of the girls celebrating their birthdays together finally arrived today. We were all very excited about it! Phoebe turned 6 today & Samara turned 5. Shakira & Phoebe are 6 together for one whole week until next Friday when Shakira turns 7. So the past two years that we celebrated without them as been bittersweet...going to Chuckie Cheese without them...but not today! Today was filled with joy, tears of happiness, Chuckie Cheese, pizza, birthday cake, & presents. Tonight we celebrated as a family. Tomorrow night the girls will be having a very small slumber party. Each girl got to invite one girl. They are really excited about it!
Randy & I were pretty sure that Samara & Caleb would like Chuckie Cheese but we weren't so sure about Shakira. The pictures below will tell you how she responded to it :o)
Randy & I were pretty sure that Samara & Caleb would like Chuckie Cheese but we weren't so sure about Shakira. The pictures below will tell you how she responded to it :o)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Live Life Now...
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer)
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth..
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer)
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth..
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Finding Shakira...
For those of you who do not know my story, please allow me to give you some background history. I was taken to Three Angels Children's Relief in Haiti by my birthmother when I was 2 years old. I don't remember that but I have been told that when I was taken there I was malnourished & had many developmental delays. No one really knew what was going on with me. When my Mom & Dad heard God's call to adopt me, I was labled as having "special needs" but no one would put a name to what that was. One person said possible Cerebal Palsy, some said developmental delays from malnutrition, & as more health care professionals from the US interacted with me, many said I may have some form of Autism...whatever that is.
I have been home for over 3 months now & I am learning a lot. I am on the long journey of "finding Shakira." This is a strange place for me to be in. For four & half years, I basically wandered around & did pretty much what I wanted to as long as I was safe & not hurting no one else, but here, much is expected of me. I am expected to do most things by myself after being taught how. I am expected to use good manners & an "indoor voice." Sometimes I like doing these things...it's empowering & feels good, but sometimes it's a drag & I just don't want to do what I'm told.
I started kindergarten this fall in the severe special needs class at my school. I really like my class. My teacher & assistants are awesome but I am finding myself being restless & impatient while in class. I do not want to do what they tell me to do & I have been doing negative things to get attention. They talk to my Mom about how best to encourage & motivate me but they are running out of ideas. Today my teacher told my Mom that they have a consult in to a school behaviorist to see if that person can give them some suggestions. Please pray for me as I continue to struggle with doing what I know is right & doing what I want to do. Please pray for guidance, wisdom, & discernment for my Mom & Dad, teachers, & everyone involved with my care. Thank you!
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