Luke and the kids and I went up to Neosho this past weekend. It was a family get together that was a blast! Friday, the kids and I rode up with Nana and PaPa. Luke came behind us when he got off work. We spent time with Ma playing games and visiting with Nate and Stephanie. We ate Pizza Hut for dinner- the kids love pizza! That night, while loading up to go to the hotel, I told our little boy to stop wiggling in the car- well he didn't....so instead, he fell face forward out of the car. He got a good goosegg, but was fine after some ice and TLC. Now, he won't get in his side, he goes around to the other side of the car- lesson learned I hope! The kids have never stayed in a hotel before, it was fun!
Luke brought in our luggage on the rolling carts- our little girl took one look at that and said, "That's awesome!!" They loved taking baths at the hotel. That night, I realized how much respect and love my Grandma had for me. I slept with our little girl, and Luke shared a bed with our little boy. Our little girl couldn't get close enough to me- she wiggled and cuddled all night. Now, I know how my Grandma must have felt when I spent the night with her. I sure do cherish those times- and miss her even more now! I sure loved waking up with the whole family at the hotel- it was a special fun time! Our little boy slept all night without any of his meds, and our little girl never used her pull up! We had a family celebration in the room.
We went to Ma's again on Saturday to hang out. Mom, our little girl, and I went shopping around the town Saturday morning. Our little girl loved spending one on one time with us. That afternoon, Uncle George and Aunt Linda came down. It's always SO good to see them. They brought gifts for our kids. Our little girl was fascinated that Aunt Linda's favorite color is pink too! They hit it off right away. Robert liked to visit with Uncle George- they shared baseball knowledge together.
Saturday afternoon, Luke and I took the kids to Big Spring Park to play. I remember going there with all the cousins to play- and thought it neat to share that with our kids. They had a blast looking at the ducks, fish, and playing on the playground. I was able to get some good pictures! How I wish I could post them on here!!!
That night, the family gathered at Ma's for a BBQ Brisket feast. Uncle JR brought in Ashley and Ben and Even from California. It was good to have the family together and visit. Luke and I headed back to the hotel around 8 for bed. When we got there, the alarms were going off. We waited outside with the kids in the car for the fire department to get there. At first, the kids were amazed at all the lights, engines, and workers. Then, it seemed to bring back bad memories for them. Our little girl asked me if the police were there to take her and her brother away. Our little boy mentioned while crying how he didn't want to go back to his "bad" home. It took a lot of reassuring, hugs, and kisses to make them calm again. We turned on the car to warm it up- and ate Pringles in the car as a family. They were once again fine and calm and laughing.
As it turns out, it was just a faulty heater in the lobby area. We were able to go to bed around 10 that night. The best thing about the hotel according to the kids- "We don't have to make our beds!!" We went to Aunt JJ's on Sunday to visit with more family. Baby Jude was being Christened at church- so Mom and I fixed a spread that Aunt JJ had all ready to go. It was fun visiting with family. They all loved on the kids and showered them with more presents.
The ride home was uneventful, however it was LONG!!! I learned lessons for the next road trip!!!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Sweet Memories and Long Talks.....
On Sunday morning at church, during the Lord's Supper, they showed videos from the Kingdom. It was when they were beating Jesus and He was on the cross. I didn't know how the kids would take seeing all of that, and since then, it's made for some interesting conversations.
They went with their foster mom to see the Passion Play. Our little boy told us, "I know they weren't really hurting the guy that played Jesus, I wonder if that was ketchup?" Also, he wanted to know if they had a kitty cat walk like we do at church to hang lights on. He also mentioned that on Sunday, we didn't finish the story. Jesus rose again. He's so right. I told him that Jesus was put in a tomb and God told the stone to roll away. They are still trying to figure out how the stone rolled away....
During our rest time yesterday, I went into his room to find him reading a book on the Centuriun Soldier who was there when Jesus died. Our little boy is very interested in learning about Jesus. Last night, before bed, he wanted us to read it again. I think we will be watching our church's video of The Kingdom soon. It helps explain the whole story- one I SO want them to get.
I'm so thankful for these two precious little kiddos. Some of the things they say amaze me and sure make us laugh. This morning, our little boy saw the snack cheese in the fridge. It was the Land O Lakes brand- he wanted to know if he could have the "Leggo Lakes" cheese for a snack today.
We have had issues yesterday with lying and arguing. If anything bothers me more- it's arguing- especially from kids!! I realized after talking to Mom on the phone, that I hadn't put out any ground rules. I just expected them to know. So, yesterday afternoon, I had them demonstrate fighting with each other. We acted it out and then talked about the consequences. They would each lose a toy and end up in time out for 5 minutes.
Our little boy lost his Buzz Lightyear and several cars for lying. His toothbrush just happened to accidentally end up in the trash can. We just don't know how that happened. Our little girl ended up arguing yesterday with me, and lost her baby doll.
This morning, however, they remembered the rules. Our little boy told me that they had sinned yesterday-he was so serious. It was too cute, I wonder if that's how the Lord looks at us sometimes.
One last funny thing, I don't want to forget is when our little boy asked Luke if it hurt when all his hair fell out? Luke told him, "No, it didn't." Little boy responded with, "Well, it sure must have, cause you've lost a lot!"
Sorry this post is rambling, but I want to try and remember important things! Enjoy!
They went with their foster mom to see the Passion Play. Our little boy told us, "I know they weren't really hurting the guy that played Jesus, I wonder if that was ketchup?" Also, he wanted to know if they had a kitty cat walk like we do at church to hang lights on. He also mentioned that on Sunday, we didn't finish the story. Jesus rose again. He's so right. I told him that Jesus was put in a tomb and God told the stone to roll away. They are still trying to figure out how the stone rolled away....
During our rest time yesterday, I went into his room to find him reading a book on the Centuriun Soldier who was there when Jesus died. Our little boy is very interested in learning about Jesus. Last night, before bed, he wanted us to read it again. I think we will be watching our church's video of The Kingdom soon. It helps explain the whole story- one I SO want them to get.
I'm so thankful for these two precious little kiddos. Some of the things they say amaze me and sure make us laugh. This morning, our little boy saw the snack cheese in the fridge. It was the Land O Lakes brand- he wanted to know if he could have the "Leggo Lakes" cheese for a snack today.
We have had issues yesterday with lying and arguing. If anything bothers me more- it's arguing- especially from kids!! I realized after talking to Mom on the phone, that I hadn't put out any ground rules. I just expected them to know. So, yesterday afternoon, I had them demonstrate fighting with each other. We acted it out and then talked about the consequences. They would each lose a toy and end up in time out for 5 minutes.
Our little boy lost his Buzz Lightyear and several cars for lying. His toothbrush just happened to accidentally end up in the trash can. We just don't know how that happened. Our little girl ended up arguing yesterday with me, and lost her baby doll.
This morning, however, they remembered the rules. Our little boy told me that they had sinned yesterday-he was so serious. It was too cute, I wonder if that's how the Lord looks at us sometimes.
One last funny thing, I don't want to forget is when our little boy asked Luke if it hurt when all his hair fell out? Luke told him, "No, it didn't." Little boy responded with, "Well, it sure must have, cause you've lost a lot!"
Sorry this post is rambling, but I want to try and remember important things! Enjoy!
Friday, December 20, 2013
Kingston's First Christmas Program
Kingston had his first Christmas Program last night at SCA. Luke and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. He started crying the minute he got on stage. He spotted his Daddy. At one time, he was crying for Daddy, Nana, and Issis, all at the same time. It was pitiful!!! The program was really cute. Kingston ended up sitting with all of us. It was fun watching him from the audience!
Our Gotcha Shower
A couple of weeks ago, Luke and I were showered with love from friends. Jennifer and Joel Schmidt threw us a shower. It was a lot of fun. The food was delicious, the cake beautiful and tasty, and the gifts were so much fun!!! I am so thankful for my bible study ladies and friends. They truly blessed us with everything from socks and underwear, to cute outfits and fun games. It touched my heart that people would choose to love on our kids before they even met them! Our kids had a blast trying on all the new clothes.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Tomorrow....
So, tomorrow Luke and I officially become the parents of 2 wonderful deserving kids. I feel like I've waited forever for tomorrow to finally be here. No more taking them back to their foster Mom, no more saying goodbye's, no more talking about their forever home....it will just be.
We've spent the week putting the final touches on their Christmas lists as well as getting some things done around the house. Luke and I are so looking forward to finally becoming a family of four! It's been exhausting- but a good kind of exhaustion to say the least!
Over the last few weeks, Luke and I have been showered with love and support from friends and family. When going through a tough process like adopting older kids- you don't know how much that support can mean to a family. There are a lot of struggles and emotions that flow through this whole process. When people aren't supportive, or are difficult to deal with, it really puts unneeded stress on people trying to do the right thing. We know that the Lord has called us to adopt these two precious kids. They just fit with our family- and we love them so much. We only want to do what's best for them at this time!
I never really understood the phrase my Mom used to say, "You can mess with me, but don't mess with my kids." Well, I can officially say I get that. These two kids have been through enough heartache and loss to last a lifetime. Luke and I want to try and be the best parents we can!
So, tomorrow we hit the road to Clinton again. We'll pass the "A" McDonalds in Greenbrier only to be followed by the "B" McDonalds in Clinton. On our last trip up there. The kids kept asking if that was the McDonalds we were going to meet at. I said, "Well, it's A Mcdonalds." So, our little boy then asked, "Well, is it the B Mcdonalds we're looking for then?" Too cute!
Thank you Lord for allowing us the privilege to do Your will. Help us to fulfill it so that you get all the glory!!!
We've spent the week putting the final touches on their Christmas lists as well as getting some things done around the house. Luke and I are so looking forward to finally becoming a family of four! It's been exhausting- but a good kind of exhaustion to say the least!
Over the last few weeks, Luke and I have been showered with love and support from friends and family. When going through a tough process like adopting older kids- you don't know how much that support can mean to a family. There are a lot of struggles and emotions that flow through this whole process. When people aren't supportive, or are difficult to deal with, it really puts unneeded stress on people trying to do the right thing. We know that the Lord has called us to adopt these two precious kids. They just fit with our family- and we love them so much. We only want to do what's best for them at this time!
I never really understood the phrase my Mom used to say, "You can mess with me, but don't mess with my kids." Well, I can officially say I get that. These two kids have been through enough heartache and loss to last a lifetime. Luke and I want to try and be the best parents we can!
So, tomorrow we hit the road to Clinton again. We'll pass the "A" McDonalds in Greenbrier only to be followed by the "B" McDonalds in Clinton. On our last trip up there. The kids kept asking if that was the McDonalds we were going to meet at. I said, "Well, it's A Mcdonalds." So, our little boy then asked, "Well, is it the B Mcdonalds we're looking for then?" Too cute!
Thank you Lord for allowing us the privilege to do Your will. Help us to fulfill it so that you get all the glory!!!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Sweet Sayings...
I wanted to journal the sweet sayings I've been hearing our kids say before we forgot!
1. We fixed Burgers and Tater Tots the other night. Our little girl wanted to help- as she says, "I'm a good cooker." She called the Tater tots- Tater Totters.
2. Our little boy loves rolling the soccer ball in the house and getting it out of "balance"
3. Yesterday, while looking in our family game closet. Our little boy announced he wanted to play battle of the "socks" It's actually a game called Battle of the Sexes. I told him it was a Mommy and Daddy game- guess that didn't sound right either! LOL!
4. I curled our little girl's hair yesterday for the first time. She said she felt like a princess and loved making funny faces in a mirror. She wanted me to get her her own mirror someday.
5. Last night, we were talking about the kids middle names. Our little girl likes her new middle name. However, our little boy would like to be named Sonic Williams. After sonic the hedgehog.
6. Our little boy loves saying "Can we do our thing and you do your thing?" He heard me say that once and it stuck in his head.
7. They've never heard the phrase "You're a Messy Marvin" before. They asked me, "What's a Marvin?"
8. Our little boy has discovered we have a Wii. However, he can only play it for 20 minutes at a time. We set a timer and he plays it with Luke for that long. But, we've also set up a rule that he cannot ask to play it. We play it when we want too. So, now, he says, "I'd really like to play the...well, I can't say it right now."
9. Last night, we drove thru Burger King. It was their first happy meal in the car. They were more excited about getting to eat in the car then they were about missing the play place because of the ice.
10. Yesterday, while playing play dough at our kitchen bar- another thing they've never done before- our little boy told me it wasn't nice to say, "What the...." I told him he was right, that wasn't nice. He said, "Well, people say that when they are surprised." I asked him further about it. He told me it was "What the heck" then covered his mouth with his hands and his eyes got big. I told him he was right and it wasn't a nice thing to say. We decided to go with, "Bummer." instead.
11. On the way home last night, with all four of us. My ears were filled with chatter, questions, smacking, and holding my hubby's hand. I was so happy. I've always loved going to Mr. Jerry's and Mrs. Nancy's house for Lily's birthday. All the kids are running around and it's so noisy and fun. Every time we left their house, I'd tell Luke..."I so want that someday."
Well, now I do and I couldn't be happier!
1. We fixed Burgers and Tater Tots the other night. Our little girl wanted to help- as she says, "I'm a good cooker." She called the Tater tots- Tater Totters.
2. Our little boy loves rolling the soccer ball in the house and getting it out of "balance"
3. Yesterday, while looking in our family game closet. Our little boy announced he wanted to play battle of the "socks" It's actually a game called Battle of the Sexes. I told him it was a Mommy and Daddy game- guess that didn't sound right either! LOL!
4. I curled our little girl's hair yesterday for the first time. She said she felt like a princess and loved making funny faces in a mirror. She wanted me to get her her own mirror someday.
5. Last night, we were talking about the kids middle names. Our little girl likes her new middle name. However, our little boy would like to be named Sonic Williams. After sonic the hedgehog.
6. Our little boy loves saying "Can we do our thing and you do your thing?" He heard me say that once and it stuck in his head.
7. They've never heard the phrase "You're a Messy Marvin" before. They asked me, "What's a Marvin?"
8. Our little boy has discovered we have a Wii. However, he can only play it for 20 minutes at a time. We set a timer and he plays it with Luke for that long. But, we've also set up a rule that he cannot ask to play it. We play it when we want too. So, now, he says, "I'd really like to play the...well, I can't say it right now."
9. Last night, we drove thru Burger King. It was their first happy meal in the car. They were more excited about getting to eat in the car then they were about missing the play place because of the ice.
10. Yesterday, while playing play dough at our kitchen bar- another thing they've never done before- our little boy told me it wasn't nice to say, "What the...." I told him he was right, that wasn't nice. He said, "Well, people say that when they are surprised." I asked him further about it. He told me it was "What the heck" then covered his mouth with his hands and his eyes got big. I told him he was right and it wasn't a nice thing to say. We decided to go with, "Bummer." instead.
11. On the way home last night, with all four of us. My ears were filled with chatter, questions, smacking, and holding my hubby's hand. I was so happy. I've always loved going to Mr. Jerry's and Mrs. Nancy's house for Lily's birthday. All the kids are running around and it's so noisy and fun. Every time we left their house, I'd tell Luke..."I so want that someday."
Well, now I do and I couldn't be happier!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Sweet Memories
Mom and I went to pick up the kids yesterday afternoon. I was a little nervous to see how they would respond at an all weekend visit. We met in the Walmart parking lot. As soon as they got out of the van- they started talking. They brought HUGE bags of toys and things with them. I don't think they stopped talking the whole car ride home. Our little boy's first question was, "So, how many electronics do you have?" I think he's really related to our family. Our little girl was concerned with how much closet space she had.
Mom and I took them to Harps. I wanted to get some groceries I knew the kids would like and also had to get the usual bread and milk for the ice that was heading our way. They went straight for the race car buggy. We settled on cereal, some chips, cookies, yogurt, and some other junk items. Our car was loaded down by the time we left the grocery store.
The kids have started calling me Mom and Luke- Dad. Sometimes "Melissa" and "Luke" still slips out. It's taken a little bit for me to get used to being called that. It's a wonderful thing to get adjusted too!
We met PaPa and Luke at Chuy's for dinner. The kids didn't have a lot to say at dinner. Our little girl seems to love Tacos, while our little boy ate a burger and some fries. After dinner, we all headed back to the house.
We let them in to see the house. They were ecstatic over their rooms. Our little boy had legos all over the floor. PaPa helped our little boy stick glow in the dark stars all over his walls and bed. Our first night at the house together was really special. We all changed into our pj's and watched a little bit of Cinderella. Our little girl was asleep for a bit on the couch. Our little boy loved looking at books. Luke and I tucked them in for the night and realized we had no music for them to listen too, or even night lights in their room. So, we turned the living room TV up for them to hear some classical music and I found some night lights. They went right to sleep.
Today, we've had fun shopping at Walmart. Luke and the kids went to Chick Fila to have lunch and play while I went to my ARORA Christmas party. They had a blast and so did I. This afternoon, we've relaxed at home- which the kids have thoroughly enjoyed.
Tonight, for dinner we had Meatloaf, Mac and Cheese, and English Peas. Our little girl helped me in the kitchen. She told me she'd never helped make dinner before. We had a blast. The kids ate great for dinner. Afterwards, I let our little girl take a bath. She told me she had never played in the bathtub before. So, I let her take her doll. She stayed in their until I told her it was time to get out. She had so much fun in the bubbles with her baby. When it was time for our little boy to take a bath, he picked 2 cars to play with. While he was in the tub, I finished the dishes. I kept smelling the bath soap, but just thought it was our little girl from her bath. Well, when Luke went to get him out of the tub, he took forever. Well, come to find out, our little boy couldn't figure out how to wash his hair with all the bubbles in the tub. So, he used the entire brand new bottle of body wash. Luke said it took a shower for our little boy, and about 15 minutes to clean out the tub afterwards!
I love hearing all the noise, laughter, and giggles coming from our house. It's been a wonderful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. At dinner tonight, I had everyone go around the table and tell one thing they were thankful for. Our little boy started first. His only thing to be thankful for was our family. Our little girl named us all by names, and then stated she was thankful for mermaids. It was a wonderful memory!!!
Mom and I took them to Harps. I wanted to get some groceries I knew the kids would like and also had to get the usual bread and milk for the ice that was heading our way. They went straight for the race car buggy. We settled on cereal, some chips, cookies, yogurt, and some other junk items. Our car was loaded down by the time we left the grocery store.
The kids have started calling me Mom and Luke- Dad. Sometimes "Melissa" and "Luke" still slips out. It's taken a little bit for me to get used to being called that. It's a wonderful thing to get adjusted too!
We met PaPa and Luke at Chuy's for dinner. The kids didn't have a lot to say at dinner. Our little girl seems to love Tacos, while our little boy ate a burger and some fries. After dinner, we all headed back to the house.
We let them in to see the house. They were ecstatic over their rooms. Our little boy had legos all over the floor. PaPa helped our little boy stick glow in the dark stars all over his walls and bed. Our first night at the house together was really special. We all changed into our pj's and watched a little bit of Cinderella. Our little girl was asleep for a bit on the couch. Our little boy loved looking at books. Luke and I tucked them in for the night and realized we had no music for them to listen too, or even night lights in their room. So, we turned the living room TV up for them to hear some classical music and I found some night lights. They went right to sleep.
Today, we've had fun shopping at Walmart. Luke and the kids went to Chick Fila to have lunch and play while I went to my ARORA Christmas party. They had a blast and so did I. This afternoon, we've relaxed at home- which the kids have thoroughly enjoyed.
Tonight, for dinner we had Meatloaf, Mac and Cheese, and English Peas. Our little girl helped me in the kitchen. She told me she'd never helped make dinner before. We had a blast. The kids ate great for dinner. Afterwards, I let our little girl take a bath. She told me she had never played in the bathtub before. So, I let her take her doll. She stayed in their until I told her it was time to get out. She had so much fun in the bubbles with her baby. When it was time for our little boy to take a bath, he picked 2 cars to play with. While he was in the tub, I finished the dishes. I kept smelling the bath soap, but just thought it was our little girl from her bath. Well, when Luke went to get him out of the tub, he took forever. Well, come to find out, our little boy couldn't figure out how to wash his hair with all the bubbles in the tub. So, he used the entire brand new bottle of body wash. Luke said it took a shower for our little boy, and about 15 minutes to clean out the tub afterwards!
I love hearing all the noise, laughter, and giggles coming from our house. It's been a wonderful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. At dinner tonight, I had everyone go around the table and tell one thing they were thankful for. Our little boy started first. His only thing to be thankful for was our family. Our little girl named us all by names, and then stated she was thankful for mermaids. It was a wonderful memory!!!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Luke and I had a blast this year in Missouri. I think it was the best Thanksgiving ever!!! We saw family we hadn't seen in years, ate WAY more food than we ever thought possible, and played endless games.
This was the first year at Aunt JJ's new house. It worked out great- but took Mom and I a bit to find our groove in a new kitchen. We had a huge feast! Turkey, Gravy, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes-which Mom burned her hand on, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Deviled Eggs, Orange Fluff, Apple Salad, Broccoli and Cheese, Corn Casserole, Rolls, and a ton of desserts.
Dan and Patty came down for the feast. It was great to visit with them. We had a great time. Uncle George and Aunt Linda came down. They are always so special and fun to fellowship with. After lunch, we played cards, dominoes, a game called Logos, and looked at vintage knitting books. While looking at these books, Aunt Linda asked in all seriousness what shape her face was- and if her hair was cluttered according to a 1950 Knitting Magazine. Stuart preceeded to sigh deeply, and tell us, "A Dingo ate my Baby." After some movie with Meryl Streep.
While in Neosho, Stuart, Uncle JR, Luke, Brady, Nate, Mom, and I all piled in the car to go check out the Joplin Spook Light. It's a light that's down a road- that no one can explain. It gets lighter, darker, changes colors, and moves. Kinda creepy!! We had a blast with this trip.
After Neosho, we headed to Silver Dollar City in Branson. Luke and I picked up the kids at about noon. We went to Steak and Shake so they could meet our family before going into the park. Our poor little boy was so nervous and scared he got sick in the car. It was so sad.
Mom and Dad met the kids along with Holly, Stuart, Brady, and Callie. Eating lunch at Steak and Shake was awkward. The kids didn't say much at first. Our little girl ordered right off the kids meal and scarfed her meal down! Poor little boy decided on Apple Sauce and Sprite. While at Steak and Shake, I called their foster Mom to keep her updated. She told me it was probably just nerves. She asked if I had a walmart sack in the car- I told her, No I'm new to all this! I will now for sure though! LOL!
After Steak and Shake we checked into the cabin so we could change into our thermals. Holly and Stuart had gotten the kids toys. They were so excited to get gifts. Our little girl opened hers immediately and asked if she could play with it when she spent the night with us. After gifts and changing clothes, we piled in and headed to silver dollar city. The park was amazing as always. It seemed even more special this year to share it with our kids.
Mom and Holly and Aunt JJ went to cooking school while the rest of us toured the park and settled in to see the Dickens Christmas Carol. Luke and our little boy checked out all the lighting, cat walks, and scrims. Dad just grinned- a future lighting technician in our future for sure!! Our little girl enjoyed looking at the pictures of her room on my phone before the play. During the play she was a little unsure. By the end of the play, she was basically in my lap!
After the play, we all met up to go see Santa. The kids were so excited. Of course, Luke and I took a ton of pictures. While waiting to see the pictures we could buy, our little girl ran right up to me and said, "Mom, can I have this?" It was a candy cane. Before I could even respond, or even think about what she called me, our little boy said, "Did she just call you Mom?" Our little girl responded, "Well, she's gonna be our Mom, aren't you?" Then they were off to look at something else. I just looked at Mom, we both had tears in our eyes. After writing letters to Santa, we headed off to eat some Pizza.
After dinner, we looked at the lights around the park. Callie and our little girl decorated cookies. Then, they were off to the play area. The kids got to play in the ball area with Luke- that's a daddy thing! After playing, we headed over to the train. It was COLD on the train. Our little girl and boy got to spend some quality time with Nana and PaPa over the train. We took the kids on the carousel, drank hot chocolate, and watched the parade. By that time, it was getting close to the park closing.
We loaded up in the car and took the kids back to their foster Mom. It was an emotionally long day. One we wouldn't trade for the world. I'm so excited!!! How I wish I could post pics of them!!!
This was the first year at Aunt JJ's new house. It worked out great- but took Mom and I a bit to find our groove in a new kitchen. We had a huge feast! Turkey, Gravy, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes-which Mom burned her hand on, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Deviled Eggs, Orange Fluff, Apple Salad, Broccoli and Cheese, Corn Casserole, Rolls, and a ton of desserts.
Dan and Patty came down for the feast. It was great to visit with them. We had a great time. Uncle George and Aunt Linda came down. They are always so special and fun to fellowship with. After lunch, we played cards, dominoes, a game called Logos, and looked at vintage knitting books. While looking at these books, Aunt Linda asked in all seriousness what shape her face was- and if her hair was cluttered according to a 1950 Knitting Magazine. Stuart preceeded to sigh deeply, and tell us, "A Dingo ate my Baby." After some movie with Meryl Streep.
While in Neosho, Stuart, Uncle JR, Luke, Brady, Nate, Mom, and I all piled in the car to go check out the Joplin Spook Light. It's a light that's down a road- that no one can explain. It gets lighter, darker, changes colors, and moves. Kinda creepy!! We had a blast with this trip.
After Neosho, we headed to Silver Dollar City in Branson. Luke and I picked up the kids at about noon. We went to Steak and Shake so they could meet our family before going into the park. Our poor little boy was so nervous and scared he got sick in the car. It was so sad.
Mom and Dad met the kids along with Holly, Stuart, Brady, and Callie. Eating lunch at Steak and Shake was awkward. The kids didn't say much at first. Our little girl ordered right off the kids meal and scarfed her meal down! Poor little boy decided on Apple Sauce and Sprite. While at Steak and Shake, I called their foster Mom to keep her updated. She told me it was probably just nerves. She asked if I had a walmart sack in the car- I told her, No I'm new to all this! I will now for sure though! LOL!
After Steak and Shake we checked into the cabin so we could change into our thermals. Holly and Stuart had gotten the kids toys. They were so excited to get gifts. Our little girl opened hers immediately and asked if she could play with it when she spent the night with us. After gifts and changing clothes, we piled in and headed to silver dollar city. The park was amazing as always. It seemed even more special this year to share it with our kids.
Mom and Holly and Aunt JJ went to cooking school while the rest of us toured the park and settled in to see the Dickens Christmas Carol. Luke and our little boy checked out all the lighting, cat walks, and scrims. Dad just grinned- a future lighting technician in our future for sure!! Our little girl enjoyed looking at the pictures of her room on my phone before the play. During the play she was a little unsure. By the end of the play, she was basically in my lap!
After the play, we all met up to go see Santa. The kids were so excited. Of course, Luke and I took a ton of pictures. While waiting to see the pictures we could buy, our little girl ran right up to me and said, "Mom, can I have this?" It was a candy cane. Before I could even respond, or even think about what she called me, our little boy said, "Did she just call you Mom?" Our little girl responded, "Well, she's gonna be our Mom, aren't you?" Then they were off to look at something else. I just looked at Mom, we both had tears in our eyes. After writing letters to Santa, we headed off to eat some Pizza.
After dinner, we looked at the lights around the park. Callie and our little girl decorated cookies. Then, they were off to the play area. The kids got to play in the ball area with Luke- that's a daddy thing! After playing, we headed over to the train. It was COLD on the train. Our little girl and boy got to spend some quality time with Nana and PaPa over the train. We took the kids on the carousel, drank hot chocolate, and watched the parade. By that time, it was getting close to the park closing.
We loaded up in the car and took the kids back to their foster Mom. It was an emotionally long day. One we wouldn't trade for the world. I'm so excited!!! How I wish I could post pics of them!!!
Callie and Uncle JR
Holly & Brady
Summer and Mom
Me and Kingston
Mr. Turkey Carrying Man
Me, Mom, and Chris
Mom, Ingrid, and Mary
Dad
Me and Dad
Ma and Aunt JJ
Silver Dollar City
Pizza Hut
Luke and I drove to Clinton this past week to visit our kids at Pizza Hut. We had a blast!! I made scrapbook pages of their rooms. Our little boy didn't have much to say at first. He sat and looked at his room. Our little girl, however, proudly stated, "That's my lamp, my bear, my bed..." After a bit, our sweet little boy stated, "I have a bear on my bed." I told him that it could be his room if he wanted to come and live with us. Did he want to come and live with us? He replied with a "yes" and a shake of his head.
We visited with the kids all throughout dinner. Their foster Mom is the sweetest person. My heart hurts for her in that she's losing two sweet kiddos she really loves and cares for. We looked and looked through the scrapbook. I have worked in a scrapbook store before, and knew scrapbooks could be used as therapy, but it never dawned on me until that night how important they really are.
It was so hard to leave that night. Luke and I are always exhausted after each meeting. It's such an emotional build up. We are antsy before we get there, have a great time while there, and have to leave each time without them. Some day soon, we won't have to do that and I can't wait!
We visited with the kids all throughout dinner. Their foster Mom is the sweetest person. My heart hurts for her in that she's losing two sweet kiddos she really loves and cares for. We looked and looked through the scrapbook. I have worked in a scrapbook store before, and knew scrapbooks could be used as therapy, but it never dawned on me until that night how important they really are.
It was so hard to leave that night. Luke and I are always exhausted after each meeting. It's such an emotional build up. We are antsy before we get there, have a great time while there, and have to leave each time without them. Some day soon, we won't have to do that and I can't wait!
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