Back at it

"Put her foot DOWN!"

[puppy barking.]

"You both need to stay ON top of your dot mats...!"

[whining.]

Folks, we're back at homeschooling and God is s t r e t c h i n g me right out. It's really been an amazing first week. Watching the wheels turn and the friendship between my daughters grow is priceless. My creative juices are flowing! We're exploring our community. They are learning so much already, and, the slow mornings are like being handed a salted carmel mocha first thing most mornings.

But as with any change it's challenging, too. We're all in a very small space. No back yard. Our new puppy is not totally house broken yet.

I have a lot of thoughts I'd like to share, so, I've decided to play the game of 'True / False'.

I no longer believe in the traditional school setting: FALSE

We will always homeschool all of our children from here on out: FALSE

It's fun to kick it early 1900's style... and through in a sewing lesson: TRUE

Lauren attends dance: TRUE

I want to create rocket scientists: FALSE

Sadie will soon attend a homeschool Co-op: TRUE

We live near a butterfly pavilion... studying caterpillars is next up for science: TRUE

Sadie will soon attend Karate: TRUE

I report to the school district we live in: TRUE

I do not follow a curriculum: FALSE

Friends who homeschool as well as John's new job schedule led us back to homeschooling: TRUE

We often go off on rabbit trail lessons: TRUE

We keep to ourselves everyday: FALSE

A hike in the foothills is Gym class: TRUE

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity: TRUE

I have all the answers: FALSE

Letting Go

As my girls grow I let more go.

In regards to my daughters - I have recently let go of their matching outfits, perfectly organized toy sets, up-to-date photo records [something that works for me: just print pictures every so often and pile them in a bin to put in an album when the kids are older], and sleeping until the moment my girls wake up...

However, the gain is in the 'letting go'.

I'm learning to plan ahead and be intentional with my time. I'm coming up on almost 4 years as a full-time-stay-at-home-mom and I am just now beginning to grasp how important it is that I run my home the same way one would run a business. This means that I have had several blunders that are now successes!

I'm reminded that God cares most about the details that others outside my home may never see. I've set down a few hobbies / commitments to be more present in this very small sliver of what I believe is the most golden part of my life. These little years with my kids. I know that perfection is an unattainable trap.

Currently, the kitchen is unorganized but the dishes are clean. The girls bedroom floor was a sea of tiny plastic animals that I kicked to the side as I put the girls to bed but all of their toys are in their room. Our laundry is currently not put away but it is clean. Something always has to give.

I hope that the strain [when present] in my relationship with God, my husband and my kids is always the first place that I clean.

My days are usually filled with my children along with the honor of caring for a few others. And Friends - Yay! PLUS our hopeful goal of welcoming a baby foster son sometime this year.

And, our new dog. Oh, yes, our. new. dog. ;)

I want my energy spent on people in ways that impact both of us for the better.

Happy New Year!

May we each have our eyes opened to the many meaningful ways we were created to live.

"Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." - Matthew 6:4

the greatest... and latest!

God is good! It's often said... but in our home these days, it's deeply felt.



Sadie, our big first grader lost her first TOP tooth, tonight! She's 6. When she was 5 she lost two of her bottom teeth -- back then she insisted that we give her one dime (per tooth) as this was the going rate for a lost tooth in the Berenstien Bears' home. Mama and Papa Bear gave Sister and Brother Bear ten cents for each tooth that was hid under their pillow! Now, Sadie knows the value of each coin and the value of one dollar! As you may have already guessed, she asked for one dollar this time! ha ha

Sadie is doing well in school. One of the top students academically. She won student of the month for her class in November and her picture as well as a nice little blurb was placed on the schools wall of fame in her honor!

She also attends Awana! She's having fun, learning scriptures and earning badges!



Lauren is learning her letters, numbers, colors and shapes at home! She is constantly moving, jumping and climbing! A lover of dress-up & pretty shoes! She just finished up a gymnastics class and has begun a tap / ballet class! She loves it! Lauren is very expressive and beginning to voice complex ideas as well as carry on conversation!

John, is the man! After a period of uncertainty... He (God) has led us into a promising new phase! John and I have become closer as friends and we look forward to what we hope will be 'normal life' for the first time in a long time! John landed a job in the IT field. He's excited to start soon! He also plays beautiful music at church and cooks and continues to make us all laugh!

I'm so grateful to be married to a man who puts God in the center of our life.

Me, well, I am doing great! I'm building back strength and learning the best foods to eat after being diagnosed with vocal cord dysfunction back in August. I am on a baking and crafting kick! I'm learning to crochet. I've gotten the hang of apple pies and I'm back into the swing of snapping pictures! Now, I just need a new book to read! The one-year-bible has been a new endeavor as well!

foster to adopt

A quick update. Thank you to those who are following & praying!

We're now in the 6th month in what we were told should be around a 9 month process. We began foster care classes in March of this year. Very significant because we lost our 5th baby at 10 weeks gestation in March of 2010.

What is left to do:

John needs to get a physical

Waiting for a note from Sadie's Teacher

Homestudy
[The homestudy will be 3 visits. Family interview. Seperate interviews. Home safety inspection.]

Presentation of 'our story' to the 5 person child welfare panel.

Getting licensed!

THEN. Once we're licensed [IF we're approved by all 5 members.] We just wait to get a call - anytime day or night.

Our social worker is hopeful that we should be licensed before Christmas!... :)

We have such anxious hearts to be in the most simple way a helper in a team of people in a family's / child's life. The depths of compassion and inspiration we're about to witness are far beyond our grasp in this moment.

But.

We feel ready. Like a runner waiting for the gun shot at his race.

As with biological pregnancy I'll admit I've found myself buying several cute blue things here and there when I've found great deals. AND we can't say Thank you enough to some VERY special people who have given us countless baby items. Your rewards are the eternal kind! In foster care, it's more common for boys to land in the system... So, being that we already have two daughters: we have asked to be placed with boys only [of any race] age 12 months or younger. :)

I have recently taken on a part-time daycare baby girl! The girls have responded with open arms to her presence in our home! I like to think this is God's way of getting us all in baby mode again! ;)

As I've shared before we started this process with the intent to add a son to our family. Today, we are going into to this trusting God's timing is best and that we may help several children / families before officially adopting... It hit me today that we'll be growing our hearts and families with the 'sons' who simply visit, too.

Because as Mother Teresa says: "...we belong to each other."

And, I know what I want for Christmas:

Lauren and the age 3

"Loh-nan" is what you call yourself! You're 3 and nearing the age that Sadie was when you were born [3 years & 2 months]. Today you spent the day in underwear - and you told me that you would just 'pee in the grass' while we went outside... Lol. You went on the potty more than once on your own and I think you're real close to staying dry during the day.

You just celebrated your birthday with a puppy theme. You just can't get enough of all things dog lately! You love being "Ser-reee!" [Your way of saying 'three'!] And here's a recap on your current interests:

"Nastics" Gymnastics class

Playing with Dolls

Dress Up

Snacking

Playing with water

Filling cups with water

Putting toys in a cup; then filling it with water

Snacking

Looking at books

Doing school/learning time with Mom

Scooting on your new scooter

Getting the mail

Washing your hands [emptying soap EVERYwhere]

Cuddling

Drawing

Eating at "Sick-a-way!" [Chick fil A]

Playing in the play-place

Eating frozen yogurt

Bike rides in the burley

an update, instagram style

A rare peaceful moment of mutual enjoyed playtime. They were playing "Aunties". Sadie is very much the 6-year-old and Lauren likes to push big sis' buttons! They sure love each other and would give each others right-arm for one another...


This is our most popular family past-time. Scoot around when it's NOT the heat of the day, just after dinner; right before dad goes to work.


Nini stopping to say 'cheese'!


Sadie and her overly-done pose! She's so full of life!


Our new part-time, day-time family member! 5 month old baby 'A'! The girls trip over themselves to grab whatever she needs, may want or could have... Sadie & Lauren are so ready to be big sisters!

to my sweet, Sadie

so bold and so true [admirer of the color blue!]. I never dreamed I'd be loving an amazing 6-year-old like you! You celebrated your golden birthday with pottery painting & cupcakes with family & friends!

[snapshot]

Last night, at dinner you asked if you could marry me. Ha! We all had a great laugh. Weeks earlier you had asked about marrying dad, too. You are so thoughtful and engaging with those around you. Yet, you never miss a chance to be silly.

Tonight, you told me: "My friends tell me that their Mom is the best, but I tell them that's not true because YOU are! I'd take all my babies[dolls], zhu zhu's & books and SQUISH them together and that love would not be as much as I love you!"

In 28 days, you'll start the 1st grade. I'm so excited to watch the ways you blossom. You love learning & the culture of school. You currently love to hear about life before you were born. You ponder, proclaim and ask the best questions. You ask about Heaven. Being a Veteranarian one day. And you hold your friends close to your heart like rare gems -- because they truly are.

You're an amazing big sister. You love to teach Nini. Make sure she's safe. And you're quick to forgive when she pushes your buttons. Remember always: Nini wants to do what you do & have what you have because you're a great mentor and friend to her.

Side thought: As you grow, remember that everyone shows love in their own unique way -- not always how you'd expect. 'Singing their song' or 'going fishing' is the key to each person feeling love from you, too!

You chose 'Dumbo' tonight for your bedtime story. You 'ooohh'ed' & 'aawww'ed' as you watched the way the mama and baby elephant were mistreated. Then your face lit up in a big grin as the story ended with justice and a happy family back together! I'm amazed by the depth you see at your age.

You are heading places, to shake, move, build and embrace your unique story by understanding and loving others!