I was thinking back today on our whole adoption journey. Nothing can prepare you for the ups and downs of this process. It's like a roller coaster where your heart is heavily involved. There's the waiting, thinking, praying, picking, training, and then you finally get to meet your kiddos!
It's hard to believe we've only had the kids a little over a month. They just seem to fit with us. I wouldn't trade the craziness, 9 thousand loaves of pb&j's, or 10 hundred loads of laundry for anything. Being a stay at home Mom has been my dream job all along- and I'm living it.
I guess if I had any advice to share with someone about to go down the road of adoption, it would be to pray! Find you a support group of other people going through the same thing. Luke and I are so blessed to be part of a small group of foster and adoptive parents. It's even with a couple we went to high school with- which I think is extra special and cool.
Another piece of advice is: be yourself and stick to your guns about what's right and wrong for your kids. Your family won't always understand why you are doing what you're doing. They will question and offer advice, but you have to know what works for your kids and what doesn't. In one month, Luke and I had our lives turned upside down- for the better. We rarely can stay up past 8:30- or at least I can't anymore. We watch TV now in the bedroom. We eat every meal saying a small simple blessing with the kids. Our lives were forever changed by these two precious ones. I thank the Lord every day for bringing them into our lives.
I went to visit the cemetery yesterday. Someplace I haven't been in a very long time. I took flowers to my Grandma and PaPa. It was my first time being there as a Mom. They adopted some years ago, and I still wonder to this day what they would have to say about our journey. Aunt Debbi and Uncle Will are right across the street from Grandma and PaPa. We had a chat yesterday too. I wonder what Aunt Debbi would think about having our little girl as her namesake. What I wouldn't give to have these 4 people just hug our kids once. How precious would that be!
So, if you know of anyone taking the road of adoption, offer them your prayers and encouragement. They are in for the rides of their lives. They do not need your advice or arguments. They only need support-positive support. You may not understand why you have yet to meet their kids, or why they no longer return phone calls the way they used to, you may not even understand or support their decisions in how they parent. Just know they are trying to do their best- and the best that you can do for them is offer prayers or encouragement.
Our little boy has a new chore every morning- he has to clean out the litter box. I, on one hand, love the fact that I don't anymore! He stopped the other morning, looked at me and said, "So that's why Aly has a hole under her tail. It's for the litter box!" Ummm... yeah. Really!
Our little girl loves setting the table. I have silver ware that Aunt Debbi bought us when we got married. It has flowers on it. Our little girl loves the pretty forks and always makes sure me and her get that one.
I've learned to smile on the little things, let other things go, and love my children everyday. It's not always easy, but it's so worth it to be doing what God called us to do!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
A New Dog....Maybe.....
Unbeknown to Luke, I've been looking at rescue sites the past week or so for dogs. Normally, I wouldn't look for dogs on a site- they usually come to me. Our little Madison has been gone for 3 months now. Even though our house is full of chaos from the kids, I really think I'm ready to love something else. I miss the companionship that I had from Madison. I know we have 4 dogs outside, and I love them all just the same. However, it's just different. The outside dogs are so "special needs" that bringing one of them inside would upset the whole apple cart- especially for our little Snoopy.
So, I've filled out two adoption applications through CARE- Central Arkansas Rescue Effort and Helping Hands for Little Paws. One is a Cocker Spaniel- near and dear breed to my heart. Another is a throw away mix named Helen. I want what the Lord wants. If one of these dogs is meant for us- then it will work out. If not, He'll send someone our way that needs us. He has a way of doing that with our family- whether it be kids or animals. He's good like that!
So, I've filled out two adoption applications through CARE- Central Arkansas Rescue Effort and Helping Hands for Little Paws. One is a Cocker Spaniel- near and dear breed to my heart. Another is a throw away mix named Helen. I want what the Lord wants. If one of these dogs is meant for us- then it will work out. If not, He'll send someone our way that needs us. He has a way of doing that with our family- whether it be kids or animals. He's good like that!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
1st Grade Program
Our little boy had his first school program last night. Luke and I were surprised that he actually wanted to do this. We thought he might have been so shy at first. However, we were pleasantly surprised. He was all grins- he basically glowed! NaNa, PaPa, Summer, and Kingston came to cheer him on. He basically looked at us the whole time. Luke took a TON of pictures, and I can't wait to scrapbook it. He even got to play the xylophone. After the program, we went to Chili's to get dinner.
It's amazing how far the kids have come in less than a month. Our little girl is giving Luke more hugs than we ever thought possible. She says "I love you" all the time. Our little boy has yet to say that, my ears yearn to hear those words from his mouth, but I know it will all happen in time. Our little boy is coming up to me and giving random hugs- which is a HUGE deal!!!
We are starting to recite scripture on the way to school. I thought we'd start first with John 3:16. We talked about the meaning of the verse. They wanted to know what the word parish meant. That, in turn, led to a long conversation with our little girl. She's afraid we're going to leave her like her bad family did. Reassurance is all we have to offer- and I pray that it's enough. On the other hand, our little boy said that "Jesus lives in outer space." I asked him what gave him that impression. He said, "Well, heaven is far far away- and its in outer space!"
He also calls the stopper in the bath tub- the "plugger." That always makes me smile- I'm not even sure why!
These kids amaze me more everyday. I'm praying for the Lord to wipe away the memories of their past and to help them feel safe and secure. One day at a time!
It's amazing how far the kids have come in less than a month. Our little girl is giving Luke more hugs than we ever thought possible. She says "I love you" all the time. Our little boy has yet to say that, my ears yearn to hear those words from his mouth, but I know it will all happen in time. Our little boy is coming up to me and giving random hugs- which is a HUGE deal!!!
We are starting to recite scripture on the way to school. I thought we'd start first with John 3:16. We talked about the meaning of the verse. They wanted to know what the word parish meant. That, in turn, led to a long conversation with our little girl. She's afraid we're going to leave her like her bad family did. Reassurance is all we have to offer- and I pray that it's enough. On the other hand, our little boy said that "Jesus lives in outer space." I asked him what gave him that impression. He said, "Well, heaven is far far away- and its in outer space!"
He also calls the stopper in the bath tub- the "plugger." That always makes me smile- I'm not even sure why!
These kids amaze me more everyday. I'm praying for the Lord to wipe away the memories of their past and to help them feel safe and secure. One day at a time!
Monday, January 6, 2014
1st Day of School....
We got our lunches packed- PB&J, chips, a twinkie, and a juice box, our backpacks all ready to go, and our clothes picked out. Luke and I spent the afternoon yesterday getting our little boy's room all organized. We went and bought tubs for him. Then, we labeled them with pictures so he would know which toy went where. We sure hope it helps him.
We watched the movie Cars yesterday afternoon. For supper, the kids picked tacos- even though we'd had them the night before. I'm so glad they came to a family that loves to eat Mexican food as much as we do! We settled into our bed to watch some TV. Luke and I didn't have much "kid" TV recorded, so we decided to watch the Sandwich King from Food Network. The kids actually liked it. After that, it was time for bed. We talked about school, made sure their rooms were safe, and turned the lights out.
Our little boy immediately started "itching." A new thing for him- I'm thinking it's an attention seeker. So, I went and got a wet washcloth for him- with special "Medicine" on it. He immediately stopped itching. Later, when Luke went to check on him, he said, "Dad, that medicine is great! I had a bump and it went down fast!" LOL!!! Luke told me he had to leave the room to keep from laughing. Our little girl still struggles a bit at nighttime, but at least with reassurance, she's sleeping through the night.
This morning, we got up at 6. They did their chore chart- which consists of getting dressed, brushing teeth, making our bed, and picking up toys. For breakfast, they had a waffle with peanut butter, syrup, and bananas. We couldn't resist taking a few pictures. At school, we waited in the office to be escorted to meet their teachers. They both seemed really nice. Our little girl was quiet as we got to the classroom- a first for sure!!! Our little boy resorted back to being shy. It was SO hard to leave them at school. I wanted to tell the teachers to be nice and compassionate, because they've been through a lot. Luke and I prayed for them as we were leaving.
Can't wait to get them after school. For now, I'm enjoying the quiet. I'm going to clean and exercise, and I might even knit!!!
We watched the movie Cars yesterday afternoon. For supper, the kids picked tacos- even though we'd had them the night before. I'm so glad they came to a family that loves to eat Mexican food as much as we do! We settled into our bed to watch some TV. Luke and I didn't have much "kid" TV recorded, so we decided to watch the Sandwich King from Food Network. The kids actually liked it. After that, it was time for bed. We talked about school, made sure their rooms were safe, and turned the lights out.
Our little boy immediately started "itching." A new thing for him- I'm thinking it's an attention seeker. So, I went and got a wet washcloth for him- with special "Medicine" on it. He immediately stopped itching. Later, when Luke went to check on him, he said, "Dad, that medicine is great! I had a bump and it went down fast!" LOL!!! Luke told me he had to leave the room to keep from laughing. Our little girl still struggles a bit at nighttime, but at least with reassurance, she's sleeping through the night.
This morning, we got up at 6. They did their chore chart- which consists of getting dressed, brushing teeth, making our bed, and picking up toys. For breakfast, they had a waffle with peanut butter, syrup, and bananas. We couldn't resist taking a few pictures. At school, we waited in the office to be escorted to meet their teachers. They both seemed really nice. Our little girl was quiet as we got to the classroom- a first for sure!!! Our little boy resorted back to being shy. It was SO hard to leave them at school. I wanted to tell the teachers to be nice and compassionate, because they've been through a lot. Luke and I prayed for them as we were leaving.
Can't wait to get them after school. For now, I'm enjoying the quiet. I'm going to clean and exercise, and I might even knit!!!
Friday, January 3, 2014
Kids say the Craziest things...
Well, after officially living here two weeks, we're getting used to each other. It's taken reward charts, chore charts, tears, laughter, and losing toys to get there- but we're making progress each day! It's so funny how literal the kids can be. On Christmas night, we were trying to get them to write a letter to Santa. We told our little boy to hurry, that Santa would be here soon- and he looked up and said, "Are you sure??? I HAVETA finish it now!!!"
We also took the kids the other night as a treat to the movies. We saw Frozen in 3D. What an awesome movie. It was their first time in a movie theater- and definitely their first time seeing a 3D movie. They loved it. Our little boy told Luke that Popcorn's name should be shortened. He said they could just call it "Porn" Well, Luke tried not to laugh and told him, "Yeah, I don't think so, Popcorn sounds SO much better!"
Our little boy loves butter on his toast. So one morning, he was reading the butter tub. It said, "Try it and you'll love it." He got a lick off his toast, his eyes got big- and he said, "Mom, it's true!!! I tried it and I LOVE this butter!!!"
Our little girl has finally started saying I love you back to us when we say it. Our little boy- well he hasn't, but that's totally fine. It will come in time. They are both more affectionate than before. Last night, they had a blast on our bed watching Dad put up our new TV in the bedroom. Our little boy wanted to watch Netflix- which we don't have. He couldn't understand what it was- and why we didn't have it. "It's on the paper" he said looking at the TV brochure.
We start school on Monday. It will be another routine to have to figure out, but one I'm looking forward too. I'm ready to be more schedule oriented and have a little time to myself. I've missed that! LOL! All in all, this family of four thing fits us nicely!
We also took the kids the other night as a treat to the movies. We saw Frozen in 3D. What an awesome movie. It was their first time in a movie theater- and definitely their first time seeing a 3D movie. They loved it. Our little boy told Luke that Popcorn's name should be shortened. He said they could just call it "Porn" Well, Luke tried not to laugh and told him, "Yeah, I don't think so, Popcorn sounds SO much better!"
Our little boy loves butter on his toast. So one morning, he was reading the butter tub. It said, "Try it and you'll love it." He got a lick off his toast, his eyes got big- and he said, "Mom, it's true!!! I tried it and I LOVE this butter!!!"
Our little girl has finally started saying I love you back to us when we say it. Our little boy- well he hasn't, but that's totally fine. It will come in time. They are both more affectionate than before. Last night, they had a blast on our bed watching Dad put up our new TV in the bedroom. Our little boy wanted to watch Netflix- which we don't have. He couldn't understand what it was- and why we didn't have it. "It's on the paper" he said looking at the TV brochure.
We start school on Monday. It will be another routine to have to figure out, but one I'm looking forward too. I'm ready to be more schedule oriented and have a little time to myself. I've missed that! LOL! All in all, this family of four thing fits us nicely!
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