We've moved...the blog, that is.
Since we are entering a new chapter in our lives and soon there will no longer be only 7 Wagners , I wanted to change the url for our blog. So now you can find us at lotsofwagners.blogspot.com.
I'm still working on the layout and sidebar, etc. but atleast we're up and running again! See you there.
December 4, 2010
December 1, 2010
My Favorite Question
There were a couple of new guys at the gym this morning. As I was getting ready to clean the equipment I had just used, one of them said,
"You're not going to pop on us, are you? 'Cause we wouldn't know what to do."
I laughed and said, "No, I've still got 4 months, so your safe."
Then he said, "Is this your first?"
I said, "No, it's my 6th."
Hee hee hee! I love answering that question!!
"You're not going to pop on us, are you? 'Cause we wouldn't know what to do."
I laughed and said, "No, I've still got 4 months, so your safe."
Then he said, "Is this your first?"
I said, "No, it's my 6th."
Hee hee hee! I love answering that question!!
November 29, 2010
How We Do Christmas
If I have time, I will update this post. For now, you can read about how we changed the way we celebrate Jesus's birthday here.
November 24, 2010
Spoiled
Spoiled, I tell ya! I don't know why but we are spoiled rotten.
When we first accepted the referral of the girls, our agency told us they had an uncle in the States and if we wanted to contact him we could. For whatever reason, and without much conversation about it, we decided we would not contact him. We'd just leave things as they were.
Well a few weeks in, he contacted the agency and asked for our information. Instead the agency gave us his info and told us we could contact him if we wanted to.
This is part of the email we received:
I spoke with him for a long time and found him to be a very nice person. His English … while spoken with an accent is VERY good and as such he is easily understood. He is VERY much on board with the girls adoption and looking forward to having you adopt them and having the opportunity for a great new life here in the US.
He basically just wanted to introduce himself and offer his services whenever they are deemed necessary. Meaning he is willing to help explain the cultural things, help with language, anything and everything … or if you prefer, little to nothing. I think he would be happy with an occasional update with a few pictures if you decided it was best for all involved.
So Roddy called him and spoke with him for a while. He was very nice. He explained why he couldn't adopt the girls ~ they have 3 children, one of which is severely autistic. He had encouraged the family in Ethiopia to put the girls up for adoption so they could get a good American home. The family there couldn't afford to take care of them either.
We are very excited to have him as part of our family. I'm thinking if we have communication issues with the girls, let's say they just can't express what they need and we just can't understand (or vice versa), we can just call up Uncle Teka and ask for help. How cool is that?!
We want to learn to cook foods that they are used to and keep as much of their culture in their lives as possible and we'll have a tutor at the press of a button!
Well here's the kicker...Uncle calls last night (thinking the girls were coming home next month instead of Feb) and said he was going to get a bunch of food ready to bring down for them to help with their transition. Seriously!!? How awesome!
Spoiled! That's just what we are!
Thank you, God, for spoiling us!
When we first accepted the referral of the girls, our agency told us they had an uncle in the States and if we wanted to contact him we could. For whatever reason, and without much conversation about it, we decided we would not contact him. We'd just leave things as they were.
Well a few weeks in, he contacted the agency and asked for our information. Instead the agency gave us his info and told us we could contact him if we wanted to.
This is part of the email we received:
I spoke with him for a long time and found him to be a very nice person. His English … while spoken with an accent is VERY good and as such he is easily understood. He is VERY much on board with the girls adoption and looking forward to having you adopt them and having the opportunity for a great new life here in the US.
He basically just wanted to introduce himself and offer his services whenever they are deemed necessary. Meaning he is willing to help explain the cultural things, help with language, anything and everything … or if you prefer, little to nothing. I think he would be happy with an occasional update with a few pictures if you decided it was best for all involved.
So Roddy called him and spoke with him for a while. He was very nice. He explained why he couldn't adopt the girls ~ they have 3 children, one of which is severely autistic. He had encouraged the family in Ethiopia to put the girls up for adoption so they could get a good American home. The family there couldn't afford to take care of them either.
We are very excited to have him as part of our family. I'm thinking if we have communication issues with the girls, let's say they just can't express what they need and we just can't understand (or vice versa), we can just call up Uncle Teka and ask for help. How cool is that?!
We want to learn to cook foods that they are used to and keep as much of their culture in their lives as possible and we'll have a tutor at the press of a button!
Well here's the kicker...Uncle calls last night (thinking the girls were coming home next month instead of Feb) and said he was going to get a bunch of food ready to bring down for them to help with their transition. Seriously!!? How awesome!
Spoiled! That's just what we are!
Thank you, God, for spoiling us!
November 23, 2010
Questions
Thought I'd answer some more questions or comments we get when people find out we're adopting 3 children.
"Wow. You're husband must make a lot of money!" or "What does your husband do?"
Roddy does work very hard and is great at what he does. I don't know what other people make but I don't think he makes what people must assume he makes. Put it this way, the agency has a recommendation that our household income be a certain amount per child ~ those currently in the home and those being adopted. We don't meet that recommedation.
But we serve a God who owns everything and He has always provided what we need and more.
"You must have a huge house." or "Are you going to have to buy a bigger house?"
Our current house can be seen in the previous post about the yard sale. It's 2 stories, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and has a bonus room. However, we use 3 bedrooms for sleeping in and will keep it that way. One is for us, one is for the boys ~ including the baby when he sleeps through the night (about 7-8 weeks old), and one for the girls. They'll have 2 sets of bunk beds in there ~one probably a triple bunk or a double with trundle.
The other room upstairs is the clothes closet. The guest room downstairs will stay the guest room although we are selling the furniture (I love that furniture!) to our neighbor. We'll put the girls' old twin beds down there instead.
"Is there any part of the adoption that overwhelms you?"
I used to feel overwhelmed about all the bugs and stuff the girls would have, but Jessica relieved my fears about that.
Homeschool next year could very well be overwhelming but because there's nothing I can do about it now, I know it won't do any good to stress about it. I don't feel any need to hurry up and get the girls' to the level they should be right away, so I'm just going to take my time with them starting with kindergarten and phonics, counting, etc.
The older kids are very good about doing work on their own and coming to me with questions so that helps. I think how cool it would be to have a responsible, homeschool teenager come to help me out but honestly I'm so particular that I don't know if it would be a help. We'll see.
Again, God is awesome and I know He will give me what I need to get it done!
"How will you handle the comments you'll get?"
I already get comments all the time about the size of our family. I have yet to get a negative comment. Which I don't understand because I've heard plenty of other people getting comments that bother them. I don't know if I'm just naive or if I understand where they're coming from.
For example, when people think we're crazy to have so many, it doesn't bother me. I just feel sorry for them because they don't really understand the blessing of children. And I didn't always understand it either. So I can relate.
"What about the comments the kids will get from other kids?"
I think this one was referring to comments about having siblings of another race. For one we try to choose our friends and our children's friends wisely. Every one of our friends has been more than supportive.
If anyone doesn't agree with what we're doing, I really don't care. And I mean that in the nicest way, really. But God has opened and closed every single door in this process. So if someone has a problem with it, they can take it up with Him.
I also said to this comment, "Well if all the black people in the world would get saved and start adopting, that would be great. But they're not going to. And these girls were meant for us."
Stay tuned for more questions and answers. If you have any yourself about the adoption process, our experience, our fears, challenges, anything, don't hesitate to ask.
"Wow. You're husband must make a lot of money!" or "What does your husband do?"
Roddy does work very hard and is great at what he does. I don't know what other people make but I don't think he makes what people must assume he makes. Put it this way, the agency has a recommendation that our household income be a certain amount per child ~ those currently in the home and those being adopted. We don't meet that recommedation.
But we serve a God who owns everything and He has always provided what we need and more.
"You must have a huge house." or "Are you going to have to buy a bigger house?"
Our current house can be seen in the previous post about the yard sale. It's 2 stories, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and has a bonus room. However, we use 3 bedrooms for sleeping in and will keep it that way. One is for us, one is for the boys ~ including the baby when he sleeps through the night (about 7-8 weeks old), and one for the girls. They'll have 2 sets of bunk beds in there ~one probably a triple bunk or a double with trundle.
The other room upstairs is the clothes closet. The guest room downstairs will stay the guest room although we are selling the furniture (I love that furniture!) to our neighbor. We'll put the girls' old twin beds down there instead.
"Is there any part of the adoption that overwhelms you?"
I used to feel overwhelmed about all the bugs and stuff the girls would have, but Jessica relieved my fears about that.
Homeschool next year could very well be overwhelming but because there's nothing I can do about it now, I know it won't do any good to stress about it. I don't feel any need to hurry up and get the girls' to the level they should be right away, so I'm just going to take my time with them starting with kindergarten and phonics, counting, etc.
The older kids are very good about doing work on their own and coming to me with questions so that helps. I think how cool it would be to have a responsible, homeschool teenager come to help me out but honestly I'm so particular that I don't know if it would be a help. We'll see.
Again, God is awesome and I know He will give me what I need to get it done!
"How will you handle the comments you'll get?"
I already get comments all the time about the size of our family. I have yet to get a negative comment. Which I don't understand because I've heard plenty of other people getting comments that bother them. I don't know if I'm just naive or if I understand where they're coming from.
For example, when people think we're crazy to have so many, it doesn't bother me. I just feel sorry for them because they don't really understand the blessing of children. And I didn't always understand it either. So I can relate.
"What about the comments the kids will get from other kids?"
I think this one was referring to comments about having siblings of another race. For one we try to choose our friends and our children's friends wisely. Every one of our friends has been more than supportive.
If anyone doesn't agree with what we're doing, I really don't care. And I mean that in the nicest way, really. But God has opened and closed every single door in this process. So if someone has a problem with it, they can take it up with Him.
I also said to this comment, "Well if all the black people in the world would get saved and start adopting, that would be great. But they're not going to. And these girls were meant for us."
Stay tuned for more questions and answers. If you have any yourself about the adoption process, our experience, our fears, challenges, anything, don't hesitate to ask.
November 19, 2010
Overwhelmed
This adoption thing has been very overwhelming...in a good way.
Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging. We had a yard sale a few weekends ago to raise money for the adoption expenses. I sent out an email a few weeks before and announced on facebook.
We had about 25 families contribute items. And I'm not talking junk they didn't know what to do with. I'm talking furniture, electronics, expensive purses, clothes, toys, strollers, carseats, skis, etc., etc.
The yard sale was scheduled for Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday, Jessica came over and helped me pull everything out of the garage (except the furniture) and get it organized by categories. Blessing!
 |
| Could you just eat them up? Two of the boys were MIA. |
My friend, Courtney, told me I could borrow a couple of tables and she would bake some goodies for the kids to sell. She showed up at 7am Friday morning from the other side of town not with a bunch of cookies on a plate, but with individually wrapped packages of cookies and these cool brownie pops with sprinkles wrapped and tied with ribbon. I could kick myself for not getting a picture! Blessing!
Denise showed up to drop off a few items a little later and asked if I needed any help. I said, "Are you sure?" She made the tables pretty and helped me with pricing and ended up staying until just before lunch time! Blessing!
 |
| The garage Friday morning before the sale! |
Kim came by to donate and shop and ended up staying until the afternoon. She helped negotiate when people wanted to pay nothing for something by reminding them it was for a good cause. And when my mom went inside to heat up leftover soup for lunch, Kim said, "Oh no, I'm buying you lunch." So off she went and brought back pizza! Blessing!
Mom was here both days organizing the tables. When it got too hot, she'd go inside and clean up the kitchen or work on laundry for me! Our feet were killing us but even at the end of the day Saturday when I thought mine were going to fall off, she was in the kitchen washing dishes and cleaning up. You should have seen this house! It was a disaster. I can't imagine what it would have been like without her! Blessing!
Papa brought Chick-Fil-A for lunch! My absolute favorite! Blessing!
And Jessica and Nick came Saturday afternoon to help clean everything up. Blessing!
The blessings really have been endless. God is so good!
November 17, 2010
Cost of Obedience
"My obedience has cost me nothing when I compare it to the cost God incurred to buy me back."
~ Cindy McClamma~
Read that again, please.
We sponsor a missionary in Namibia, Africa. She's a widow with 3 grown children and 5 young grandchildren. She felt God leading her out of her comfort zone a few years ago and obeyed herself all the way across the Atlantic Ocean.
We get monthly e-newsletters which I read word for word. Love her wisdom. The quote above is hers.
Have you ever thought, "If I give God complete control and surrender every single part of my life, will he send me overseas somewhere to be a missionary?"
Have you cringed at the thought of the cost to you personally?
Does it scare you to think what God would do with you if you really did give it all to Him?
"My obedience has cost me nothing when I compare it to the cost God incurred to buy me back."
Could there really be any place better than where God wants you?
It might not be overseas. It might be walking next door to invite a neighbor to dinner.
Or going downtown to feed the homeless and praying with them.
Or speaking to the greeter at the grocery store and inviting him/her to church.
It might just be being willing. Being open. Listening for that still, small voice to prompt you. And not ignoring it.
I pray I hear loud and clear and am willing to obey, whatever the cost.
November 15, 2010
Math and Walmart
Gray (9 1/2) was reading a word problem in his math book today and exclaimed, "I don't think she goes to Walmart!"
He informed us that the girl paid $27.99 for a skirt.
Then he says, "I think she goes to the mall."
He informed us that the girl paid $27.99 for a skirt.
November 9, 2010
For Sale
We still have quite a large amount of money to come up with for the final stretch in our adoption process. Airline tickets alone at this point are $1800 for one person. We have 2 trips to Ethiopia to make. The first is for the court date on December 21. The second will be in February to bring the girls home. Their tickets, I believe, will be about $1,000 each. Then there are the expenses for food, lodging, monetary gifts (suggested by the agency) for the caregivers, drivers, visas, etc.
So we are selling some furniture that was generously donated to us to help in our fundraising. Prices are negotiable! And every bit of it goes toward the adoption!
The first set is a Pirateship Bed with Dresser, Trunk, Bird Cage and lots of accessories (pirate ships, figures, etc.). We're asking $1,000 but will consider all offers!
The next set is a Dining Room set. It comes with a Table (with leaf to extend), 4 Chairs and Hutch. We're asking $450, but will consider all offers!
Lastly is a Solid Wood Queen Bedroom Suit which comes with Headboard, Mattress, Box Springs, Tall 10-Drawer Dresser, 2-Drawer Nightstand and Lamp. We're asking $400 but will consider all offers!
Please pass this on to as many people as you would like to. Thank you for you help!
Previous Post Disclaimer
A friend reminded me last night that I meant to clarify in the previous post: Iris Reading that she wasn't actually reading the books in the pictures. She could with help, but when I asked her what the books were about, she'd say, "I'm not sure yet."
I just thought it was cute that she wants to be like her sister and she does love books!
I just thought it was cute that she wants to be like her sister and she does love books!
November 6, 2010
Iris Reading
Two years ago when only Emma, Gray and Jay were in school, Iris would come into the school room every day and want to do school. So I would give her a letter page to color or a preschool page to work on.
I knew last year when I started Charlie in kindergarten, she would really want to be in there. So I decided that I would just school her with Charlie. They would both start kindergarten together. She was 4 1/2 but I said if it got to be too much for her, too frustrating, etc. I would just back off and give her something else to do. There were frustrations but not because it was too tough for her, just because there are frustrations in homeschooling.
She actually did really well and learned to read with Charlie. So this year, even though Iris is technically in kindergarten for the state's records, they are both doing 1st grade work.
Well her big sister is a voracious reader. I can't keep up with the books she's read and how many times she's read them.
One day Iris came downstairs and plopped herself on the couch with this book.
Another day she went out on the porch...
...to read with the chicken...
...like her big sister.
November 4, 2010
How We Told
I never shared how we announced to the children that we were expecting a baby.
They knew we were wanting to get pregnant. They knew (at least the three oldest) what the trip to Chicago was about last May.
So they would ask from time to time if I was pregnant and I so often told them, "No, not this month."
Finally, I was. And I didn't just want to call a family meeting and spill it out after that long of a wait. I wanted to do something to make it even more exciting.
They knew we were wanting to get pregnant. They knew (at least the three oldest) what the trip to Chicago was about last May.
So they would ask from time to time if I was pregnant and I so often told them, "No, not this month."
Finally, I was. And I didn't just want to call a family meeting and spill it out after that long of a wait. I wanted to do something to make it even more exciting.
I wrote a scrambled word on 5 different pieces of paper. I then folded those up and attached them to clues which I hid throughout the house. The clues were to the next piece of paper.
Waiting for me to finish setting up...
This was the first clue to the storage closet under the stairs...
They had to wait to open the scrambled words until they found all of them and made it back downstairs.
I was going to show a picture of the words unscrambled but Blogger won't let me!
Anyway, the message was, "Mommy is having a baby" and the kids were very excited when they figured it out. Yea!! A baby!!!
November 2, 2010
Voices from the Past
Oh my word!!! I'm so excited about this new audio book series by Victoria Botkin!
This year as I've been reading historical fiction to the kids, I've also been researching the facts. And I've been very disappointed with the conflicting information that is available. I've also been disappointed with my recollection of History.
For instance, I thought we celebrated Columbus Day because Columbus was the first explorer to discover America - North America, that is.
Ohhh, noooo! He never stepped foot on North American soil. He landed on the islands south of Florida. A guy named Leif Ericson actually landed in North America (Newfoundland) about 500 years before Columbus!
And then we discoverd that Columbus and his men captured some of the natives from the islands and took them back to Spain to sell as slaves.
Why in the world are we celebrating this guy?
I also thought the Pilgrims were all Puritans seeking religious freedom and were the first people to colonize in America. Ohhh, nooooo! The Pilgrims were made up of Puritans and Strangers or Adventurers. The Adventurers were in it for the adventure and possible fortune they may gain. And King James, eager to be rich like Spain and France, sent a group over about 14 years before the Pilgrims. By the time the Pilgrims got here Jamestown was an established colony going strong.
Anyway...I started thinking, I just want to read actual letters and memoirs of people who were alive during these times. I want actual accounts.
The Botkin Family has compiled letters and eye-witness accounts of people in History and are offering this information in the form of audio books read by Mrs. Botkin titled:
They are offering them in a bundle at an introductory price that is 30% off or individually at 20% off. You can go here to find out more or here to order.
This year as I've been reading historical fiction to the kids, I've also been researching the facts. And I've been very disappointed with the conflicting information that is available. I've also been disappointed with my recollection of History.
For instance, I thought we celebrated Columbus Day because Columbus was the first explorer to discover America - North America, that is.
Ohhh, noooo! He never stepped foot on North American soil. He landed on the islands south of Florida. A guy named Leif Ericson actually landed in North America (Newfoundland) about 500 years before Columbus!
And then we discoverd that Columbus and his men captured some of the natives from the islands and took them back to Spain to sell as slaves.
Why in the world are we celebrating this guy?
I also thought the Pilgrims were all Puritans seeking religious freedom and were the first people to colonize in America. Ohhh, nooooo! The Pilgrims were made up of Puritans and Strangers or Adventurers. The Adventurers were in it for the adventure and possible fortune they may gain. And King James, eager to be rich like Spain and France, sent a group over about 14 years before the Pilgrims. By the time the Pilgrims got here Jamestown was an established colony going strong.
Anyway...I started thinking, I just want to read actual letters and memoirs of people who were alive during these times. I want actual accounts.
The Botkin Family has compiled letters and eye-witness accounts of people in History and are offering this information in the form of audio books read by Mrs. Botkin titled:
They are offering them in a bundle at an introductory price that is 30% off or individually at 20% off. You can go here to find out more or here to order.
October 27, 2010
Thieves
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and
where thieves break in and steal..."
Matthew 6:19
Thankfully, my parents were not home when the thieves broke in. And thankfully they didn't do much damage.
Apparently, they opened a few drawers in other rooms on their way to the master bedroom but didn't take anything out of them. In the master they put the 4 night stand drawers on the bed and then dumped my mom's jewelry drawer on top. They wrapped the comforter around it all (including the stuffed animals from the grandkids that were there for decoration) and headed out of the house. They also took the laptop.
You can see the comforter missing, the night without drawers, and the jewelry drawer discarded.
The nightstand drawers had memorabilia: notes and piddly things the kids had given them but that were sentimental and invaluable to my parents.
Also, her dad's watch and her mom's watch and other jewelry were in that drawer. They are both deceased.
What they stole was hardly worth the effort to them. But to us, those things are priceless and irreplaceable. I feel sick over it.
They have lived in this house for 35 years. They are not materialistic just sentimental. I'm praying desperately that we at least find the important jewelry at a pawn shop somewhere.
October 20, 2010
Court Date
We have a court date! Tuesday, December 21 we will have met our girls face-to-face and stand before a judge who will hopefully say,
"Then, they are yours!"
I say "we" will stand before the judge but an hour ago I was definitely not planning on traveling. Being prego and not able to get all the recommended immunizations I didn't want to risk anything. But after talking to the director and knowing the girls will be there!!! makes it very irresistible.
I've got to pray for clarity.
But I'm excited! That means if everything goes well, the girls will be home either Feb 5 or Feb 19! I'm praying for the 5th.
Yea!!!!
"Then, they are yours!"
I say "we" will stand before the judge but an hour ago I was definitely not planning on traveling. Being prego and not able to get all the recommended immunizations I didn't want to risk anything. But after talking to the director and knowing the girls will be there!!! makes it very irresistible.
I've got to pray for clarity.
But I'm excited! That means if everything goes well, the girls will be home either Feb 5 or Feb 19! I'm praying for the 5th.
Yea!!!!
October 18, 2010
October 15, 2010
Giving
I've always been cheap. And in the last few years have really been conscious of my spending.
Never so much as I have in the last 6 months, however. And not because of the $26,000 (minimum) needed to bring our girls home, of which we had almost none.
And not just because people have been so kind and generous to donate money toward the adoption and items for our upcoming Yard Sale with a Cause (although that has pretty much halted extracurricular spending because how can I accept such gifts and go about buying something not on our needs list.)
In the last 6 months I have just really come to the realization of how wasteful we (those of us in affluent countries) are. Ask yourself:
Do I really need a new pair of shoes? Or another purse?
Do I need another dress for church?
Couldn't I make it one more winter with the jeans I wore last year?
How many accessories do I really need?
Is it necessary to eat out every week? or several times a week?
Is there a better use ofmy God's money? It is He who gave it to us! What are we doing with it to honor and glorify Him? What are we using it for that has eternal purpose.
Are we giving till it hurts?
One night as we were reading and discussing Radical with the kids, one of them said, "I think we do a lot."
And he's probably right. We do give to and sponsor those in need. Probably more than people making twice what we do with half as many kids. But my answer for all the children was,
Oh sure I gave up having my house cleaned from top to bottom every month so we could sponsor kids in Haiti. Big deal!
Never so much as I have in the last 6 months, however. And not because of the $26,000 (minimum) needed to bring our girls home, of which we had almost none.
And not just because people have been so kind and generous to donate money toward the adoption and items for our upcoming Yard Sale with a Cause (although that has pretty much halted extracurricular spending because how can I accept such gifts and go about buying something not on our needs list.)
In the last 6 months I have just really come to the realization of how wasteful we (those of us in affluent countries) are. Ask yourself:
Do I really need a new pair of shoes? Or another purse?
Do I need another dress for church?
Couldn't I make it one more winter with the jeans I wore last year?
How many accessories do I really need?
Is it necessary to eat out every week? or several times a week?
Is there a better use of
Are we giving till it hurts?
One night as we were reading and discussing Radical with the kids, one of them said, "I think we do a lot."
And he's probably right. We do give to and sponsor those in need. Probably more than people making twice what we do with half as many kids. But my answer for all the children was,
"But we still aren't giving till it hurts."
Oh sure I gave up having my house cleaned from top to bottom every month so we could sponsor kids in Haiti. Big deal!
To obey is better than sacrifice!
I Samuel 15:22
I'm starting to think that's in the Bible because what we consider to be sacrifice really isn't.
One dinner out each month = a month's worth of meals, education and medical care for a child in a impoverished community.
One new shirt = hope for a child without Jesus.
A family vacation getaway = a year's worth of the above.
Or better yet, why not be hope for one orphan for a lifetime. There are millions who need a home and family of their own!!!
I loved Jessica's posts (a 5-part series) on their journey to adopt again (they just brought 2 girls home in January). Something that gave me goosebumps was when she said:
"Yet I could not shake the feeling that someone was missing. Our empty chair at our table and empty seat in our car were a constant reminder to me that we had room for one more...
Our house is not huge, less than 1800 square feet...And some might question how we could possibly add another person to the mix...
But the more I got away from society's ideals, the more I realized we had everything that we needed and more..."
Think about it. How much excess is in your home that you call necessary but really isn't?
Could you lower your standard of living to make room for one more? I used to think we couldn't lower ours any more but obviously I wasn't looking at our current "standard" properly.
I watched a documentary once and the subject of it, who grew up very poor, said his widowed mama always told him, "Son, never eat the last biscuit."
He always wondered why she wouldn't let one of the 7 kids eat that biscuit. One day, he heard a knock at the back door. His mama opened it and handed out that last biscuit to a homeless man. She told him, "There's always someone worse off than you."
Jesus says that one day when He sits on His glorious throne with all the nations at His feet, He will separate those who were true followers from those who only hoped or acted like His sheep. He will say to the righteous,
Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
To the rest, he will say,
Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.
Matthew 25
October 12, 2010
It's a....
I had a sonogram this morning at the doctor's office and we found out that we're having a....
Yea!!! We're all so excited.
Now we just have to make sure the name we've picked is going to be the one that sticks. That's one of the reasons I need to know ahead of time. Because we have totally changed one of more of the kids' names before they were born.
BOY!!!
Yea!!! We're all so excited.
Now we just have to make sure the name we've picked is going to be the one that sticks. That's one of the reasons I need to know ahead of time. Because we have totally changed one of more of the kids' names before they were born.
October 5, 2010
This Coloring Book
Breezy Tulip and Emily Rose are so talented. You have to check out the coloring book they just put out.
I have wanted some of Breezy's artwork for a very long time and I think I might have to put this coloring book on my wish list!
October 4, 2010
Join the Club
Did you know we're part of the same club?
Yep. All of us. Every single person on this planet. From the serial killer in jail to the orphan baby in Russia.
We're all a part of the sinners club. We all desperately need a Savior.
And for those who have decided to give their lives to Jesus, we all desperately need Him help us day in and day out to overcome the sin in our lives.
Your kids are a part of the club, too.
For those of us who are diligently trying to train our children, rather than ignoring and neglecting their sin, it can really start to wear on you at times. You might get annoyed, aggravated or down-right mad. But remember, you're members of the same club.
Never say to your child, "What is wrong with you?" Because what's wrong with him is what's wrong with you!
Even asking, "Why did you do that?" or "Why do you keep doing that?" is unnecessary. The answer is easy. Because they're sinners!
You may feel like your battling your kids, but in reality you are in a battle FOR your kids.
You're on the same team - whether they know it or not.
So when correction or discipline time comes, try to remember:
1. to restore your child in a spirit of gentleness. Soften your voice rather than raising it. Check your tone.
2. to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Find out what really happened first - even if you think you already know.
3. that you are in the same boat with this child. Remind them of what a gracious Savior we have -forgiving freely and ready to provide a way of escaping temptation. We all need Jesus to overcome the sin in our lives.
4. and speaking of forgiveness, forgive your child. Truly forgive as Christ has forgiven you. Give him/her a fresh start each and every time. Try your best to treat each act as if it's the first time you've ever seen them do it.
5. when you don't have the words, pray for wisdom knowing God is ready to give it generously.
Yep. All of us. Every single person on this planet. From the serial killer in jail to the orphan baby in Russia.
We're all a part of the sinners club. We all desperately need a Savior.
And for those who have decided to give their lives to Jesus, we all desperately need Him help us day in and day out to overcome the sin in our lives.
Your kids are a part of the club, too.
For those of us who are diligently trying to train our children, rather than ignoring and neglecting their sin, it can really start to wear on you at times. You might get annoyed, aggravated or down-right mad. But remember, you're members of the same club.
Never say to your child, "What is wrong with you?" Because what's wrong with him is what's wrong with you!
Even asking, "Why did you do that?" or "Why do you keep doing that?" is unnecessary. The answer is easy. Because they're sinners!
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
You may feel like your battling your kids, but in reality you are in a battle FOR your kids.
You're on the same team - whether they know it or not.
So when correction or discipline time comes, try to remember:
1. to restore your child in a spirit of gentleness. Soften your voice rather than raising it. Check your tone.
2. to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Find out what really happened first - even if you think you already know.
3. that you are in the same boat with this child. Remind them of what a gracious Savior we have -forgiving freely and ready to provide a way of escaping temptation. We all need Jesus to overcome the sin in our lives.
4. and speaking of forgiveness, forgive your child. Truly forgive as Christ has forgiven you. Give him/her a fresh start each and every time. Try your best to treat each act as if it's the first time you've ever seen them do it.
5. when you don't have the words, pray for wisdom knowing God is ready to give it generously.
October 1, 2010
Ready!
Yesterday in the mail we received a video from our agency's director who just returned from Ethiopia. I couldn't wait until Roddy got home so the kids and I watched part of it then last night we all sat down to finish watching it. The video was of the director going to the care center where our girls are. It showed them introducing themselves and doing a little Ethiopian dance. It also showed them receiving our care packages.
When it was over Gray said, "How much longer..to get them?"
I said, "Probably four months."
Gray, "Awww."
I said, "Are you ready to have them here?"
And they all said, "Yeah!!"
I love that even my boys are excited and thankful they all have sweet hearts and want their sisters home!
When it was over Gray said, "How much longer..to get them?"
I said, "Probably four months."
Gray, "Awww."
I said, "Are you ready to have them here?"
And they all said, "Yeah!!"
I love that even my boys are excited and thankful they all have sweet hearts and want their sisters home!
September 30, 2010
September 27, 2010
Guest Post
I was honored to be asked by my friend, Tyler, to guest post on her blog. Tyler is transparent, encouraging and focused on helping moms overcome anger.
Check out my first installment!
Check out my first installment!
September 20, 2010
Crappy Foods
You should have heard the conversation around our lunch table today.
Some non-moral issues are more important to some people than to others. For example, food.
Food can be a moral issue if someone is gluttonous or greedy. If food controls them more than they control it. If they eat so much junk they aren't healthy enough to be of service to anyone, especially God. In which case, to me, it becomes a moral issue. If we can think of food and excercise as a tool rather than a rule, I think it changes our outlook. I happen to like eating healthy food. I don't like exercising anymore (I used to)but I see the benefit, so I do it.
Anyway, in our house, on a certain level, I see eating healthy as a moral obligation. After all, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And so what comes into this house and into our bodies...especially my children's bodies...is important to me.
At lunch today we were talking about all the foods that are crap. Crap is not really a bad word in our house. Although I prefer the kids not to use it around other kids so I don't get in trouble by other parents. But when the shoe fits, wear it. And so we had a great time talking about all the crappy foods.
Does that mean we never eat crap around here. No. We do. And in the last couple weeks it feels like it's more than usual. Which is why we had the conversation at lunch. My list of foods to avoid is pretty long so I'll tell you what I consider healthy:
Some non-moral issues are more important to some people than to others. For example, food.
Food can be a moral issue if someone is gluttonous or greedy. If food controls them more than they control it. If they eat so much junk they aren't healthy enough to be of service to anyone, especially God. In which case, to me, it becomes a moral issue. If we can think of food and excercise as a tool rather than a rule, I think it changes our outlook. I happen to like eating healthy food. I don't like exercising anymore (I used to)but I see the benefit, so I do it.
Anyway, in our house, on a certain level, I see eating healthy as a moral obligation. After all, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And so what comes into this house and into our bodies...especially my children's bodies...is important to me.
At lunch today we were talking about all the foods that are crap. Crap is not really a bad word in our house. Although I prefer the kids not to use it around other kids so I don't get in trouble by other parents. But when the shoe fits, wear it. And so we had a great time talking about all the crappy foods.
Someone told me once if I made my kids eat so much good-for-them food, they would grow up and eat all the junk food they could get their hands on. I disagree. If my children understand the why of eating the things God has given us and of being good stewards of the bodies He has given them, they will hopefully be wise when they they are grown and on their own.
Oops! A whole bowl of fresh watermelon.
Food that God gives us...preferably processed as little as possible.
We eat meat once or twice a week and try to make it free range, no hormones added, no antibiotics, etc.
We eat meat once or twice a week and try to make it free range, no hormones added, no antibiotics, etc.
I would prefer organic everything but unfortunately we're probably not even halfway there.
I often hear that eating healthy is too expensive. Here's how I look at it. You can pay more to eat healthy now or pay later for the drugs to counter all the cheap junk you think is saving you money.
And for the record, our grocery budget for our family of 7 is only $700 a month. And that is without buying cheap processed dinners, etc. But, again, we also don't eat meat every night.
Now what do we do when we go to someone else's house? We eat the gift they have prepared for us. Just as we teach the children that food at home is a gift to be eaten in gratitude without complaint, we are thankful for whatever someone has taken the time to prepare for us. We do not expect a special "healthy" meal on our behalf.
I have no intention of being legalistic about it. And although some people think I'm crazy (mostly family members), I'm okay with it. I'm obligated to do what I consider to be in the best interest of the family God has given me. What anyone else does is between them and God...that is, as long as it doesn't interfere with what I'm teaching my kids.
I have no intention of being legalistic about it. And although some people think I'm crazy (mostly family members), I'm okay with it. I'm obligated to do what I consider to be in the best interest of the family God has given me. What anyone else does is between them and God...that is, as long as it doesn't interfere with what I'm teaching my kids.
September 15, 2010
October 31
I know it's a little early but wanted to share a new tradition that we came up with last year for October 31.
In years past, we've gone to Fall Festivals, trick-or-treated in the neighborhood, passed out candy, or even one year did nothing. Roddy and I tried to figure out what to do about this particular holiday. You see, I hate Halloween. I don't care what it started as, or used to be, or has become, or should be, etc. I just don't like it.
And we discovered that the only real excitement for the kids was getting candy. They don't get it that often so it is understandably an enticing holiday for them...along with all the other holidays that load them up on candy (something else I really don't like!). Usually we let them have a bunch the day of, then let one a day for a week. After a week I tell them to pick 10 pieces to keep and then we throw the rest out.
Well we decided to make it special in our own way. We went to Walmart and picked 3 movies we approved of and told the kids to pick the one they wanted us to buy. They chose Swiss Family Robinson.
The night of the 31st we turned off the lights downstairs so we wouldn't be disturbed by the doorbell, everyone put on their pjs, we put in the movie (we have a large screen tv in our room), and we ate, and ate, and ate!
The kids loved it. We loved it. And we all decided it was a great way to spend the evening.
Hmmm...I need to go find some chocolate!
In years past, we've gone to Fall Festivals, trick-or-treated in the neighborhood, passed out candy, or even one year did nothing. Roddy and I tried to figure out what to do about this particular holiday. You see, I hate Halloween. I don't care what it started as, or used to be, or has become, or should be, etc. I just don't like it.
And we discovered that the only real excitement for the kids was getting candy. They don't get it that often so it is understandably an enticing holiday for them...along with all the other holidays that load them up on candy (something else I really don't like!). Usually we let them have a bunch the day of, then let one a day for a week. After a week I tell them to pick 10 pieces to keep and then we throw the rest out.
Well we decided to make it special in our own way. We went to Walmart and picked 3 movies we approved of and told the kids to pick the one they wanted us to buy. They chose Swiss Family Robinson.
Then we loaded up on chocolate for melting and lots of other things for dipping: Oreos, marshmallows, graham crackers, brownie bites, bananas, pretzels, pineapple, etc.
Hmmm...I need to go find some chocolate!
September 13, 2010
MIA
I feel like I've been MIA with only my few posts here or there. The truth is everything takes me a little longer these day since my energy level has dropped majorly. Of course, I'm not complaining. Two things I will not do during this pregnancy: complain or waddle.
On a scale of 1-10 my nausea is a 1 or 2. I have a friend who is so sick she ends up in the hospital has to be medicated. So, see, no complaining here. Mostly I'm tired and extra hungry. I'm still working out but have gained 5 pounds already! Yikes. I'm determined not to get plump. We'll see.
I have decided on a doctor. My friend and her husband have their own ob/gyn practice. I will not being SEEING them (if you know what I mean), but will see the midwife and other two doctors in the office.
They deliver at a much smaller hospital than the one at which I delivered the first five so I'm looking forward to that. My first appointment is Thursday. Then next week I go back for a sonogram.
Did you know insurance only allows 2-3 people to be with you in the hospital room when you deliver now? I had 5 with me when I delivered Iris. I definitely want Emma and Iris with me this time. I didn't ask if that eliminated kids. And all this time, I've been picturing 5 kids coming in to see the baby when he/she is born. There will be 8.
On the adoption front...We sent our dossier and three care packages with the agency director to Ethiopia this past Friday. I forgot to take pictures of the care packages. We included a photo album with pictures of all of us, stickers, bandaids, crayons, pencil, a small notebook, hair bows and headbands, toothbrush and paste, lotion, and beef jerky (we don't eat it but we'll work on healthy eating when they get here). I think that's it.
This weekend we get to go to a gathering with other families in the area who have or are adopting from Ethiopia. Isn't that cool? What a nice support system they have in place.
~~~
I have so many posts I want to do on topics like chores, picky eaters, books I'm reading (ever so slowly), etc. Hopefully I'll get to them soon.
On a scale of 1-10 my nausea is a 1 or 2. I have a friend who is so sick she ends up in the hospital has to be medicated. So, see, no complaining here. Mostly I'm tired and extra hungry. I'm still working out but have gained 5 pounds already! Yikes. I'm determined not to get plump. We'll see.
I have decided on a doctor. My friend and her husband have their own ob/gyn practice. I will not being SEEING them (if you know what I mean), but will see the midwife and other two doctors in the office.
They deliver at a much smaller hospital than the one at which I delivered the first five so I'm looking forward to that. My first appointment is Thursday. Then next week I go back for a sonogram.
Did you know insurance only allows 2-3 people to be with you in the hospital room when you deliver now? I had 5 with me when I delivered Iris. I definitely want Emma and Iris with me this time. I didn't ask if that eliminated kids. And all this time, I've been picturing 5 kids coming in to see the baby when he/she is born. There will be 8.
On the adoption front...We sent our dossier and three care packages with the agency director to Ethiopia this past Friday. I forgot to take pictures of the care packages. We included a photo album with pictures of all of us, stickers, bandaids, crayons, pencil, a small notebook, hair bows and headbands, toothbrush and paste, lotion, and beef jerky (we don't eat it but we'll work on healthy eating when they get here). I think that's it.
This weekend we get to go to a gathering with other families in the area who have or are adopting from Ethiopia. Isn't that cool? What a nice support system they have in place.
~~~
I have so many posts I want to do on topics like chores, picky eaters, books I'm reading (ever so slowly), etc. Hopefully I'll get to them soon.
September 8, 2010
Thoughts About Having 9 Children
Someone asked me what my thoughts have been realizing we will go from having 5 children to 9 in the next seven months.
Well, I've had lots of thoughts. The thought of the work load actually doesn't phase me too much. I can handle more laundry and food preparation and dishes, etc. Our current 5 are very helpful and independent. I'll expect the same from the K, A and E after their transition to their new home, country, family, etc. I've never been one to baby my kids. If they can hold a cup, they can walk to the refrigerator and get their own ice and water.
The most daunting part right now in my mind about the girls coming from Ethiopia is the medical stuff - parasites, lice, scabies, ringworm. I don't know if they will have all or just some of the above but I'm not looking forward to any of that. And I don't want the kids here to get any of it!
I told my mom if people ask me to help, I'm going to take it. I'll be washing sheets daily for at least the first month and vacuuming twice a day. And propably wiping everything down like a woman with OCD on steroids!
I'll also be teaching them how to use a toilet and not the backyard. How to wash themselves, brush their teeth properly, wear underwear, use toilet paper, that sort of stuff.
And since you never know how they are going to transition, I'm preparing for the worst...rejection, fits, etc. Think about it...some crazy white family is taking them out of their culture, away from their people to a place they can't even imagine with strange food and an overabundance of everything. It has to be shocking to them.
I was also thinking one night in bed about how sad it is for them. They went to bed without a kiss from their mommy. And when they woke up in the morning, she wasn't there to greet them with a smile or a hug. So while it's great that they get the opportunity to live in this affluent country and have the best brothers and sisters in the world, who wouldn't trade all that for their mommy?
School next year is a blur! I have no idea how I will get it done. Again, if anyone knows a teenager who needs community service hours next year, surely that would count, right?! I will basically do kindergarten with the K, A & E. And then will have grades 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th.
My word for next year is "NO". Not to my kids but to outside activities and commitments...at least until July.
I am looking forward to the baby and all the hands that are eager to hold and pet him or her.
I will say I had a talk with God and respectfully told Him He got us into this. I'm going to need Him to HELP me through it! I CAN NOT DO IT MYSELF!
So there you go.
Well, I've had lots of thoughts. The thought of the work load actually doesn't phase me too much. I can handle more laundry and food preparation and dishes, etc. Our current 5 are very helpful and independent. I'll expect the same from the K, A and E after their transition to their new home, country, family, etc. I've never been one to baby my kids. If they can hold a cup, they can walk to the refrigerator and get their own ice and water.
The most daunting part right now in my mind about the girls coming from Ethiopia is the medical stuff - parasites, lice, scabies, ringworm. I don't know if they will have all or just some of the above but I'm not looking forward to any of that. And I don't want the kids here to get any of it!
I told my mom if people ask me to help, I'm going to take it. I'll be washing sheets daily for at least the first month and vacuuming twice a day. And propably wiping everything down like a woman with OCD on steroids!
I'll also be teaching them how to use a toilet and not the backyard. How to wash themselves, brush their teeth properly, wear underwear, use toilet paper, that sort of stuff.
And since you never know how they are going to transition, I'm preparing for the worst...rejection, fits, etc. Think about it...some crazy white family is taking them out of their culture, away from their people to a place they can't even imagine with strange food and an overabundance of everything. It has to be shocking to them.
I was also thinking one night in bed about how sad it is for them. They went to bed without a kiss from their mommy. And when they woke up in the morning, she wasn't there to greet them with a smile or a hug. So while it's great that they get the opportunity to live in this affluent country and have the best brothers and sisters in the world, who wouldn't trade all that for their mommy?
School next year is a blur! I have no idea how I will get it done. Again, if anyone knows a teenager who needs community service hours next year, surely that would count, right?! I will basically do kindergarten with the K, A & E. And then will have grades 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th.
My word for next year is "NO". Not to my kids but to outside activities and commitments...at least until July.
I am looking forward to the baby and all the hands that are eager to hold and pet him or her.
I will say I had a talk with God and respectfully told Him He got us into this. I'm going to need Him to HELP me through it! I CAN NOT DO IT MYSELF!
So there you go.
September 6, 2010
The Duggars
I love the Duggars. If anyone should have a bunch of kids, they should. I don't get to watch the show very often (only on vacation or at my parents') but when I do, one thing I notice is that they rarely if ever have a negative thing to say about anything or anyone. How cool is that? Talk about standing out in a crooked and twisted generation!
Well, here is a nice article (there are so many bad ones) about the Duggars that I thought I'd share. Enjoy.
Well, here is a nice article (there are so many bad ones) about the Duggars that I thought I'd share. Enjoy.
August 31, 2010
Giving Thanks
Oh, give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Psalm 105:1
I wanted to share some fun ways God has been blessing us during this adoption process.
First off, not long into our paperwork, Roddy came home to announce he had gotten a raise. The raise was just to show his employer's appreciation for his hard work. The amount of the raise was 10% more than the amount we needed to send in with our contract. Of course, we don't get the raise all at once but it was a cool confirmation of what we are doing. Did you notice the 10%? Remind you of tithing?
Then, we were praying for the large amount of money we needed all at once to send in with the contract and referral acceptance. We had read, initialed and signed the 28 pages and post-dated the contract for August 20. I had not looked at a calendar, just picked that date some time in the future hoping we would have the money by then and could send it in. I think it was the next week when Roddy decided to sell his car. He listed it on a Thursday. One week and one day later - on August 20 - he met the couple at the DMV and received the cash for the car!
I didn't even realize it until I was going through the paperwork again to have it notarized! How cool is that? So with that cash and money we've saved and sweet friends have donated, we finally got to send those 2 big items in.
Then, of course, God has chosen to bless us with another baby!! So very thankful for and excited about that. Well, it's been 6 years since I was first pregnant with Iris. I had gotten rid of and passed on my maternity clothes - the few timeless pieces went to my sister. I was thinking I was going to have to go to Goodwill and look for some clothes to wear because even though I am only 9 weeks, I am already out of all my pants and skirts. I have nothing against Goodwill. In fact, I love that place, but it would still be money going out out the door.
Well yesterday, my sister came by with 3 garbage bags full of summer and winter maternity clothes!!!! Skirts and shorts, dresses and shirts and pants and capris! I had so much fun trying them on and sorting them out by season. Now I just have to take all the clothes I can't wear off their hangers so I have room in my closet for the new stuff.
The other thing that happened yesterday is that we found out we didn't have to wait for this certain government form to come back before sending in our dossier. It does have to be done before we can travel, though. Well that certain form costs $830. And the dossier has to be sent in with $1000. We had enough for one but not both.
So while I was excited that we didn't have to wait almost a month to get our paperwork moving ahead to get an earlier court date (which means getting the girls home sooner), I didn't know where we would get the money to send both of them in. We were praying about it a lot throughout the day. That afternoon, some certain someones very close to us, handed us a wad of cash making it possible for us to do both!! They didn't even know that we needed it right now! I couldn't help but cry.
Isn't God good? What an exciting journey He has us on!
August 29, 2010
Hallelujah!!!
9 weeks along
Estimated due date: April 3, 2010
(Technically, I guess this child is #9 since the girls should be here before he/she arrives.)
August 27, 2010
Truth
The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9
How often do we hear today,
Follow your heart!
or
Listen to your heart!
I've got two words for you WORLDLY WISDOM.
We cannot trust our feelings to guide us. We have to be grounded in Truth. God's truth. Not whatever-is-true-for-you truth.
Feelings come and go. What is True is always true!
Where do you find Truth? I've got two words for you...THE BIBLE!
August 24, 2010
Schedule
I was talking with a friend about the schedule I posted not too long ago. She said she couldn't figure out how I made it work. Then she came over and saw this up on the wall in our office/school room:
It' is only for the school hours but it helped her visualize what I was trying to type up.August 21, 2010
Pet Peeved!
Can I throw caution to the wind here and be completely frank? There might be little tact in this post.
I have a huge pet peeve! Actually I have many but today I experienced one of my biggest!!
Our Sunday School class joined up with a faith-based community center in a pretty poor part of town to have a back to school party. We had games, food, a dj, bounce house and 200 backpacks full of school supplies to be given away.
To kick start the morning everyone gathered in the little chapel to hear the gospel message presented by two of our classmates. All of us volunteers were asked to stand in the back of the room so the kids and parents coming to the event could sit in the seats closer to the front.
The registration table was also in the back and people were still checking while Chris and Shelley were talking about creation and Adam and Eve, etc.
So it didn't bother me too much that those at the registration table were talking but what just about had me over the roof was the talking coming from the volunteers and their kids!
This was a small room. Any noise could be heard up front and was very distracting. At one point I went over to a group of kids with two dads supervising - and I use that term lightly because they were talking too - and told them if they wanted to talk, they needed to outside. And by the end I was just about ready to drag another dad and his son outside and have a little "come to Jesus" meetin'!
More than likely, you are not one of those rude parents who talks or allows their children to talk when someone else is talking but if you are, please stop! If you are ever on a field trip with your kids or at a meeting or anything else, if you want to talk, excuse yourself and go outside.
I had the same thing happen when I hosted a butterfly day at my house - actually it ended up being 3 days. The kids were paying attention but some of the moms were 5 feet away chatting up a storm so that I felt like I had to talk over them. It is so rude and selfish!
Okay, I'm done. That was my attempt to the make the world a better place for speakers every where! I honestly don't mean to offend. I just think people need to know.
I have a huge pet peeve! Actually I have many but today I experienced one of my biggest!!
Our Sunday School class joined up with a faith-based community center in a pretty poor part of town to have a back to school party. We had games, food, a dj, bounce house and 200 backpacks full of school supplies to be given away.
To kick start the morning everyone gathered in the little chapel to hear the gospel message presented by two of our classmates. All of us volunteers were asked to stand in the back of the room so the kids and parents coming to the event could sit in the seats closer to the front.
The registration table was also in the back and people were still checking while Chris and Shelley were talking about creation and Adam and Eve, etc.
So it didn't bother me too much that those at the registration table were talking but what just about had me over the roof was the talking coming from the volunteers and their kids!
This was a small room. Any noise could be heard up front and was very distracting. At one point I went over to a group of kids with two dads supervising - and I use that term lightly because they were talking too - and told them if they wanted to talk, they needed to outside. And by the end I was just about ready to drag another dad and his son outside and have a little "come to Jesus" meetin'!
More than likely, you are not one of those rude parents who talks or allows their children to talk when someone else is talking but if you are, please stop! If you are ever on a field trip with your kids or at a meeting or anything else, if you want to talk, excuse yourself and go outside.
I had the same thing happen when I hosted a butterfly day at my house - actually it ended up being 3 days. The kids were paying attention but some of the moms were 5 feet away chatting up a storm so that I felt like I had to talk over them. It is so rude and selfish!
Okay, I'm done. That was my attempt to the make the world a better place for speakers every where! I honestly don't mean to offend. I just think people need to know.
August 20, 2010
Praise
Roddy's car sold this morning. So as soon as I get a chance, we'll be mailing in our Agency Contract and Referral Acceptance form.
The girls' blood work was checked out and is fine.
The homestudy came in the mail yesterday. Now I can send off for our last clearance. When that paperwork comes back the dossier and done!
Thanks for praying!
The girls' blood work was checked out and is fine.
The homestudy came in the mail yesterday. Now I can send off for our last clearance. When that paperwork comes back the dossier and done!
Thanks for praying!
August 19, 2010
August 17, 2010
Questions
We've had lots of questions asked since we decided to adopt.
What lead you to adopt? God.
Why not adopt in the States? God closed that door. We actually planned to adopt through the state but we didn't want anyone (from the States) older than Iris. At the community awareness meeting we were told that there really aren't any children under the age of 9 available. She didn't give us reasons but we've figured out it's because they try so hard and so long to reunite kids with their parents that they stay in foster care a long time. Also, if they do become available, foster families get first dibs. We can't foster because we already have 5 kids.
Why adopt from Ethiopia? God opened that door after reading Jessica's blog. Here's that story.
Why older kids? When considering adoption, we've always wanted siblings but ones that were younger than Iris. However, now that we are adopting out of the country, we have had no doubt about adopting kids older than Iris. Other countries have their own issues but kids from the US are a whole different story.
Are you adopting because you can't have any more of your own? No.
What will you do if you get pregnant? Have a baby! Since we're not adopting because we can't have our own it has no effect on the adoption. So, the more the merrier. We have left having biological kids and adoptive kids in God's hands. He knows who we're supposed to have in our family and when.
We just want to do whatever God wants us to do.
What lead you to adopt? God.
Why not adopt in the States? God closed that door. We actually planned to adopt through the state but we didn't want anyone (from the States) older than Iris. At the community awareness meeting we were told that there really aren't any children under the age of 9 available. She didn't give us reasons but we've figured out it's because they try so hard and so long to reunite kids with their parents that they stay in foster care a long time. Also, if they do become available, foster families get first dibs. We can't foster because we already have 5 kids.
Why adopt from Ethiopia? God opened that door after reading Jessica's blog. Here's that story.
Why older kids? When considering adoption, we've always wanted siblings but ones that were younger than Iris. However, now that we are adopting out of the country, we have had no doubt about adopting kids older than Iris. Other countries have their own issues but kids from the US are a whole different story.
Are you adopting because you can't have any more of your own? No.
What will you do if you get pregnant? Have a baby! Since we're not adopting because we can't have our own it has no effect on the adoption. So, the more the merrier. We have left having biological kids and adoptive kids in God's hands. He knows who we're supposed to have in our family and when.
We just want to do whatever God wants us to do.
August 15, 2010
Will You Follow Him?
What does this song mean to you? Will you follow Him into the homes of the hopeless?
How will you meet the needs of the poor and the needy?
As much as He's done for you, what will you give away freely?
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD!
August!
I'm starting to really dislike August. It is such a busy month! School starts back! Teaching on Wednesday nights at church starts back! And so many other little things.
This year I determined not to add too much. And I really have done pretty well but still, it's busy! This week we have something every day.
And, of course, the blog is the first thing that seems to get dropped. So let me quickly give you an update about the adoption:
When that comes back, our dossier will be complete and I can send it to the agency with another check!
When they approve it, we make a whole bunch of copies and send it back for them to send to Ethiopia for translation.
Then we wait for our court date. Roddy will fly over for the court date. If we pass the first time, we should be able to pick up the girls 6 weeks later.
So that's where we are with that. I did start a post a couple weeks ago answering some of the questions we've been asked since we decided to adopt. I'll try to finish it and at least get 2 posts this week.
This year I determined not to add too much. And I really have done pretty well but still, it's busy! This week we have something every day.
And, of course, the blog is the first thing that seems to get dropped. So let me quickly give you an update about the adoption:
We are trying to sell Roddy's car to get enough money to send in our contract and referral acceptance form for the girls.
That's something you could pray for if you don't mind. We can't send in either document until we get the money. He will then get a company car.
The next thing we need in hand is the homestudy. I emailed our social worker last week and she said we are next on her list. But she didn't give me a date as to when she thought it would be done.
When that comes in, I can send a copy of it with another form to get some kind of government clearance and fingerprints (at least I think that's what it's for.)
When that comes back, our dossier will be complete and I can send it to the agency with another check!
When they approve it, we make a whole bunch of copies and send it back for them to send to Ethiopia for translation.
Then we wait for our court date. Roddy will fly over for the court date. If we pass the first time, we should be able to pick up the girls 6 weeks later.
So that's where we are with that. I did start a post a couple weeks ago answering some of the questions we've been asked since we decided to adopt. I'll try to finish it and at least get 2 posts this week.
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