The Backseat

Blogging has definitely taken a backseat these past few weeks. I have barely been able to keep up with my emails let alone all the blogs that I love to read. Cleaning house has really taken a hit as I try and adjust to my new life. We are doing school a full 6 hours a day, then the kids get computer time (30 minutes each), and I go straight to straightening up and dinner prep. In speaking with my parents the other day, I used the analogy of exercising. When you are out of shape exercising is really hard work, but as your body adjusts it gets easier. That is exactly what has been happening to me. I have been a lackluster homeschooler who didn't push myself too hard. That is no longer an option, so I am being whipped into shape, and for the most part, it feels good. I like this kind of hard work. My used to be clean house doesn't like it, but I'm sure things will even out sooner or later.

Nate's business was not awarded that contract that he has been working so hard to obtain. It hurt worse than I thought it would. At times we were unsure of whether or not we even wanted it because of the work that it would entail, plus some other issues that would be complicated. Not getting it though sorta took the wind out of our sails this weekend. We are feeling much better now, and know that all this is also in God's hands and out of ours. He knows the plans he has for us and that has to be enough for me. The endless hours and dollars that went into this is hard to swallow, but it was all his money and time in the first place. That is what I keep telling myself, and it helps.

Amanda and the boys seem to be adjusting to each other as expected. Luke doesn't like that she calls me mom, Evan feels a little threatened and Austin wants more privileges and freedom. Amanda is bothered by their noise and pestering, but that sounds like a normal adjustment too. Everybody is pretty vocal about their feelings, so we spend a lot of time talking and training. I am getting the hang of the juggling act and doing quite nicely with it all. I got out of the shower this morning and dressed for church with the smell of bacon and eggs in the air. She decided that since she was ready early and there wasn't cereal she liked she would just cook everybody breakfast. I think that Nate has done it once in my lifetime, and she has done it twice already. (I hope I don't get spoiled) I have been pleased with her efforts in school, I know that this was a huge difference for her, and so far she is putting forth a good effort. I feel blessed that God chose me to be the one to partner with him to bring forth his will for her life. It humbles me everyday.

There is one thing that I want to give thanks for because it continually amazes me, and that is the fact that I can face these stressful and uncertain times with very little anxiety. This has been a big month for our family in regards to change and bad news. I had a few days that were rough, but nothing over the top like in days gone by. I feel like I have grown in this area and that brings me such joy. For one thing it just testifies to the fact that he will complete the work he started, and secondly it has shown me how important it is to continually be renewing my thoughts and mind. I can know more clearly sense danger approaching and ward it off with sound truth and pure thoughts. In this one area I feel like I have moved from the milk stage to stage 2 foods. I am still not to solids in this area, but I'm getting there.

I think that I am now caught up.

A Dull Roar

Life has settled down to a dull roar. We started school last week and boy was that crazy. After all these years of being a reluctant homeschooler, I have finally hired someone to help me out. My friend Tia is joining us Tues-Thurs to lend a hand with Science, History, Writing and helping get Amanda on the right track. She is not up to grade level so we have some work to do there. I felt a little guilty at first about not doing it all myself, but I have come to the realization that I COULD NOT do it all. I am not a teacher by nature, I am not a good student my nature and tackling High School alone was going to be way over my head. I am sooooo relieved to have some help and support in this area, Tia is a lifesaver and it is so much more fun to not being going alone.

We did have some adjustment issues, mainly with Luke and myself. It was difficult to go from a mom of middle aged children to a mom of teenagers. And when I say teenagers I mean plural. Austin has made the leap into adolescence. I think it was something that he was longing to do since he was 2. He never really seemed like a little kid to me, he was always sort of a teenager trapped in a childs body. As to Luke, he has seems to be coming out on the other side of his issues. Luckily he is a vocal child, so I always know what is in his head, because it is usually spewing out of his mouth.

We are all doing well. I may be driving my friends with teenagers crazy, but other than that things are great.

One Happy Family

Evan's photo of a lovely duckling.

Adoption News

Well when I arrived home from vacation I was informed (via email) from my facilitator that the Pres of Haiti is refusing to sign my paperwork and those that have more than 2 bio kids. This used to be a law of Haiti's requiring that no one have more than 2 bio kids, and be married for at least 10 years. Well the other laws have been overlooked since 1974 but apparently the Pres has decided to take issue with this one at this time. The only thing that is really burning me up is the fact that we are already in process, if he wants to go back to the way it was, then fine, start with the new families applying. How dare he disrupt an adoption already in progress.

The good news is that God is still in control and he knows what needs to happen, so I don't need to freak out about this.

The Newest Addition

Amanda arrived and we whisked her away to Fl. for a mini vacation. I have pictures and I will post them, but my camera batteries are dead so I will do it Sunday. She says she is adjusting fabulously. We shall see how long that last. She is worried about the pics I want to post, so we shall see which ones make it on the blog. Of course I can't divulge all the details for her privacy even though she is standing here saying she doesn't care about privacy. She is a happy, delightful girl, so that is a blessing. The boys noise bugs her some, and they complain about food a lot, but other than that they seem to be adjusting fine. I am mom 70% of the time and Catrina the rest.

The Big Day

Well today is the big day, a teenager will grace our lives. I'm getting pretty excited about the prospect of having a girl in the home. I can't wait to post pictures of her room. I just finished sewing bedskirts for the 2 beds in there. This was my very first sewing project in over 20 years. I sewed minimally in high school and never became proficient in it. The lady at Walmart that was helping me get the material underestimated how much I would need so I couldn't make the skirts have ruffles on them, except for one of the beds and then just at the end. All I can say is that they looked better then they did, but I am not completely satisfied with the way they look. I am thankful that I attempted the project. The furniture I ordered won't be ready today, but should be ready by Monday. We are heading to Fla on Monday so I won't be able to get it until we get back.

We were going to start school next Tuesday or Wednesday but the Fla trip will interrupt that. It is probably for the best anyway, a vacation is a nice way for Amanda to hang out with the family and get comfortable.

So many things to say, but I really need to get moving. Thank you to all the people that commented and emailed me to encourage me on this venture. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Vince Gill on Helium

Every time I log onto my new blog that my new blog friend Kari created for me I crack up laughing. She put on my playlist a song by Vince Gill that I just love, only this time he sounds like a man on helium or a Dolly Parton wannabe. If you like my recent blog designs and want to help a mom raise money for an adoption, go to the left sidebar and check out her work at Sweet Memories.

Austin is 11

Our biggest boy turned 11 on Tuesday, and yes we had a redneck B-day party. It was just us, and half of us weren't wearing shirts. I had to convince him to let me get a small ice cream cake just so that we could at least sing to him and take a couple of pictures. He wanted no party and no hoopla, I guess he is taking after his parents at a young age. We did order his favorite pizzas from Pizza Hut and let him finally see The Pirates of the Caribbean 2. He is definitely growing up and becoming more like a teenager but is still the same sweet boy that is willing to lend a hand and help out, be a gentleman, and he still wants to do the right thing. In spite of his grown up state he still laughs easily. I'm proud to be his mom.

Some Summer Fun

These are just some of the things that the boys have done to entertain themselves this summer. They became parents to 2 baby turtles, one snapper, one box turtle, until the snapper made a break for it and escaped. They hung out with the cousins. They captured lizards and snakes and studied/tormented them for a while, and generally ran wild. I guess that is what boys do.