Happy birthday Gracie

One year ago today, a beautiful tiny bay girl was born.  She was born roughly 2 months early.  She was only 3 pounds, 11 ounces at birth.  And, sadly, she was born very addicted to cocaine. 

She was in the NICU for 14 days.  On day 13, I received a phone call, letting me know about her.  The next day, I met her case worker at the hospital, and we prepared her to come home.  I have never seen a baby so SMALL before!  her little fingers, when wrapped around my finger, were impossibly small.  But this little tiny baby needed ME. 

That afternoon, I brought this tiny 4pound 4 ounce baby home.  What a fantastic journey that day began. 

In the last year,  many things have happened.  Gracie is medically fragile.  BUT, that does NOT mean that she is anything less than any other one year old baby!  She has proved that to us time and again over this last year!  She is developmentally delayed, enough so to be a part of DDD (Department of Developmental Disabilities)  but, even with her delays, she has learned how to do things ... her OWN way!  She is resilient, and awe inspiring!

She has grown a lot in the past year.  She went from a teeny little 3 pound 11 ounce baby at birth, to an 18 pound baby at one year!  now THAT is what I call growth! 

We have our work cut out for us with this little one, that is for SURE.  But, I am PROUD to call myself Gracies mommy.  We will officially adopt her within the next few months .. and all that will do is make things "legal" ... I have been her mom since she as 14 days old.  and will FOREVER be her mom.  what a LUCKY MOM I AM!!!!!

We have given Gracie the middle name Anna ... after my sweet grandmother.  Grandma passed away earlier this year, and we were able to attend her funeral.  I was able to stand at the funeral, holding little Gracie Anna, and tell my extended family how PROUD I AM to have the chance to raise a daughter with my grandma's name.  Gracie Anna has some large shoes to fill ... but you know what?  Even at one year old, I KNOW that my grandma would be PROUD of her namesake.  I know that I am. 

20 pounds lighter

Honestly, at the beginning of the 8 week challenge, I had hoped for a "FEW" pounds to be shed.  I didn't think I could "do it" again on my own.  Well, I was wrong. 

I am now 20 pounds lighter!  I feel fantastic.  I can now take the jeans I started the challenge with off without even unbuttoning and unzipping them. 

I have decided to NOT take a day off (we are allowed one free day a week) when it comes to sugar, aside from the very first week .. and therefore have honestly had NO SUGAR in 4 1/2 weeks!   Another thing I did not think I could do.  Especially since Halloween was last weekend.  I handed out candy, handful after handful, and didnt take one LICK of one! :) YAY ME! 

This challenge is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time.  And, I have to say, its not only been the 'physical' aspect that is great.  I have been reading scriptures daily, doing acts of service daily ... writing my thoughts down ... I am all around bettering myself, and it feels fantastic.

Christmas traditions.... then and now.

When I was a child, Christmas EVE was the big day for my family.  As evening began, we would all pile up in our Dodge van, and go look at Christmas lights, and look for Rudolph's nose.  But, at the last moment, Daddy would have to stay behind.  I remember being sad that Daddy always had to miss the lights! LOL. 

We would drive around town, looking at all the light displays.  Every once in a while, one of my older siblings would point at a red flashing light in the sky, and tell me that that was Santa and his reindeer!  (you gotta love airplanes on Christmas Eve! LOL) 

After quite a while, we would finally drive back home.  Daddy would meet us at the driveway, and tell us that we JUST MISSED SANTA!  He was JUST HERE!  He tried to keep Santa a few minutes longer, but, Santa being Santa, had to leave before the kids saw him ;) 

We kids would run into the house, and look at the tree in awe!  Presents were PILED EVERYWHERE! (remember, Im the youngest of 8, so even if we each only had 2 gifts .. that was a lot of gifts! HAHA!)

Daddy would look at the gifts, and hand them out one at a time, to make sure that each of us had at least one gift in hand before everyone began opening gifts.  After what seemed like ages, all of the gifts would be opened, and we were mostly too excited to sleep!  But we knew that we already had our gifts, so we didnt have the problem of having to WAIT! lol. 

Christmas morning would be spent playing with the gifts that we had opened the night before. 

As a child, I didnt think much of the fact that we did our Christmas on Christmas Eve.  It was just how things were done at our house and that was that.  Later, I learned that it was mostly because Daddy just couldnt wait! LOL. 

The first Christmas after Tom and I were married, we spent Christmas with his family.  His family lived only 25 miles away from my family at the time, so we were able to go to my parents for Christmas Eve, and enjoy a "normal" Christmas with my family.  BUT ... we then went back to his folks house, and for the first time I could honestly remember, I actually had to go to sleep on Christmas Eve, with a hole tree of WRAPPED PRESENTS .. and WAIT till MORNING to open most of my gifts!  OMGoodness, I hardly SLEPT that night!  Here I was, a few weeks away from being 21, and I was experiencing my first Christmas MORNING Christmas!  I felt like a 5 year old child! 

I was one of the first to wake in the morning, out of sheer anticipation!  Eventually, the household woke up, and we were able to open the gifts.  What a fantastic time we had! 

Tom and I have chosen to have the tradition of waiting till morning to open our gifts.  We open ONE gift on Christmas eve, which tends to be Pajamas.  We then make cookies for Santa, wearing our new PJs.  We set out a plate with cookies, and a cup of milk.  We also make sure to set out a plate with carrots for the reindeer.  Then, we all head off to bed, to wait until morning to open our gifts. 

Our house does not have a fireplace, and our kids were afraid that Santa could not come to our house due to there not being a chimney for him to come down.  SO, we have a magic fire place.  We have a Christmas theme fireplace gate that we put up against a wall, with cardboard 'fire' within.  We hang our stockings above the magic fireplace, and my kids just KNOW that since Santa is magic, that he can for SURE come here in a magic fireplace!  :)

When our children wake in the morning, they wake to find that indeed Santa WAS able to come through the magic fireplace!  The stockings are piled FULL, too full to still hang, so they are neatly lined up on the floor against the fireplace.  there are piles by the fireplace, one for each family member.  Some gifts, ones NOT from Santa, are all wrapped nice and pretty.  But, Santa doesnt wrap the gifts that he brings to our family. 

The kids are always excited to note that the plate of cookies and plate of carrots are mostly eaten up, with a thank you note from the big guy himself! 

This Christmas, we will be going to Tom's parents house.  This will be the first time since we became parents that we will be away from home for Christmas.  I am so very excited that we will be able to have Christmas with my in-laws!  What wonderful memories that will be made!  My kids will spend their first Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa B's house! WOW! 

I look forward to the opportunity we have to have "Grandparent Christmas" traditions! 

Gracie's 24 hour EEG

We went in yesterday to hook Gracie up with all of her wires and goop for her 24 hour EEG.  We were given the instructions, the machine, and sent home. 

We were told that we needed to push a button on the machine every time we saw Gracie have one of her head tremors, then record the time, and length of the tremor on the record sheet.  This way, they could later take all of the information, and note what her readings were when she had the tremors, and determine if they are seizure related or not. 

I have seen the tremors daily for the past few months.  BUT, I have to admit, I had no clue how OFTEN she has them!! I had to watch her at all waking moments while she was hooked up to the electrodes, so that we could monitor as many tremors as we could, which means I saw A LOT of tremors! holy cow!  I had no IDEA that she had so many of these tremors! 

Within the first half hour of being home, we pushed the button 8 times.  There were many more through the evening, and quite a few of them this morning.  When I talked with the EEG tech this afternoon as they were taking the electrodes off, I mentioned that I had probably missed some.  He said that they would be able to notice even the ones that I missed, due to the number of tremors they WERE able to record. 

We should get a phone call within the next week with the results, so Ill be looking forward to that call. 

Random thoughts

random thoughts are interesting.  My kids have come up with some doozies over the years .. randomly coming up and just saying something out of the blue. 

Me ... yeah, I guess I have them.  My mind is always moving ... I think I used to have 'random thought' moments more often before I had kids ... my mind is always moving, yes, but it tends to be moving in the direction of the kids .. "what should I do to help Gina with this" .. "oh, the babies are so cute when they do ..." .. etc.  

I think I was planning on having this be a list of random thoughts, as my post.  but, of course, can I come up with any? LOL nope!  Im in the middle of a POKE war with a friend of mine on facebook, so I think my mind is just on that.  sigh.  Oh well, its the thought that counts, he? 

holding a sleeping baby ...

As a mom, one of the most beautiful things to do, is to hold a sleeping child. 

I remember when we were first getting to know Gina, visiting her at her first foster home, she fell asleep in my arms.  I couldn't put her down.  I took the opportunity at that time to talk with her foster mom and get to know more information about our new little girl, but as I was talking and listening, I was looking down at my beautiful new daughter, sleeping in my arms for the first time.  I was in heaven! 

Since then, I have taken the opportunity to hold every one of my children as they were sleeping.  I have had 13 children over the years.  Holding a sleeping baby is so special.  But, I have learned that holding an older child as they sleep, is just as special. 

I love knowing that I can comfort them, even in their sleep.  I am currently holding little Nik, as he has had a hard time sleeping tonight.  He tossed and turned, and moaned while laying in his crib tonight.  So, I picked him up, and as I hold him, I can comfort him.  Yes, he has still tossed, still tried to turn ... but when the moans begin, I pat him, kiss him, and cuddle with him, and he relaxes again.  I have already had to do this a few times while typing this entry. 

We are, in a way, at our most vulnerable, while we are asleep.  So many things can go through our unconscious mind ... and for a baby, or small child, that can at times be a very frightening thing.  And knowing that I can hold, and comfort a child while going through some of those vulnerable sleeping moments, is priceless. 

One day at a time ...

Ive known that eventually, one of my kids would begin talking and asking about adoption.  We have been very open since day one, and its not like its a NEW concept to them.  There is a difference though between knowing that they were adopted, and knowing ABOUT adoption. 

Gina seems to have decided, for now at least, that its just how it is, and thats that.  She knows she is adopted.  She knows her birth mom, and birth brothers.  And life just goes on. 

Chris has decided now, that he is a bit confused about "adoption".  Out of the blue today, he just said, in a sad voice, "I wish I wasnt adopted", and ran off.  He was then quite agitated, and I knew that in the state of mind he was in, it wasnt going to help to talk about it.  All I could do was hug him, and whisper  that I love him, and am so very thankful that we have him in our lives.  He yelled and screamed (which is something we go through with him once in a while, over whatever he feels is upsetting him at the moment) and one of the things he yelled was "I wish I didnt live her anymore".  Again, all I could do was hug him, and whisper how much I loved him, and how happy I am that he DOES live here. 

Of course, my heart was BREAKING at the time.  Many things kept going through my mind.  "am I just not a good mom?"  "he's only SIX! What is he going to be like when he is a teenager?" "does he even understand what he is saying?" "could I have done better?" .. etc. 

All of a sudden, he calmed down, and changed the subject lickity split.  That seemed to be that.  I didn't press, and didn't bring it up again.  We went on about our daily business like nothing happened .... but it DID happen.  it was on my mind all evening. 

A few hours later, we were watching a show as a family.  Chris decided to leave the room, and we didnt really think anything of it, because he does that.  He came in a few moments later, and handed me a note.  He had written, all by himself, a letter to me.  the gist of the letter, was this: "Mommy, I love you very much and I want to stay here for ever and ever and ever.  I am happy I am here". 

With tears running down my cheeks, I put the letter down, and grabbed Chris, and gave him a gentle hug.  This is a note I will keep forever!  So that I can read it often . . especially when he has moments like this afternoon, which I know will happen again in the years to come. 

All we can do is take everything one day at a time.  I have no idea WHAT is going through my kids' minds, and how and what they actually understand, regarding the way our family is created.  But, if I take it one day at a time, I might be able to help them sort through all of the complex emotions that can come along with the word ...... ADOPTION. 

fluff post lol

For the challenge, I am supposed to write in my blog/journal every day.  Well, I dont always have ideas.  I cant do deep posts EVERY day ... I would run out of deepness within a week. 

So, Ill quickly write about the week.  There is no school this week for my kids, so we have had a blast.  I took them to the Zoo on Monday, the Desert Museum on Tuesday, and the Mall today.  (to play in the play area)  Tomorrow we have plans to go to an indoor swimming pool, and on Friday we are going to a friends house.  FILLED week, yet, Im also making sure there are hours of down time at home.  The kids have had a wonderful week so far, and for that I am grateful. 

My mom and dad ... my hero's.

I am the youngest of 8 children.  I have four brothers, and three sisters.  I have been an aunt since I was two years old.  My siblings, and nieces and nephews and I, sadly, were not always the most ... pleasant ... people to live with.  But, through EVERYTHING that we put my parents through, (and trust me, it was a LOT) my parents stayed by our sides the whole time.

I could go on about the many things that my siblings and I put my parents through.  But this is not an entry about us.  This is an entry about my mom and dad.  Suffice to say, they were put through a lot, and somehow, they made good adults out of all of us.  (some may beg to differ ... LOL but alas ...)

From some of my earliest memories, my mom would attend sports events that we, her children, were in.  Baseball and soccer were the ones I remember most.  Mom went to as many games as she could manage, and somehow, that turned out to be most of them.  There were times when we had 4 of us at one time, playing a game of baseball, on different teams.  She would make her rounds from diamond to diamond, cheering her kids on!  Daddy would attend games as he could, depending on his work schedule.  They both supported us 100% with our sports, and we KNEW it. 

When I was in grade school, mom wanted to be more involved with the school, so she did a program called F.A.M.E.  (Fine Arts Mini Experience).  She would go into the different classrooms, and put on a presentation about famous composers, or famous artists from the past.  I would ALWAYS look forward to her presentations, because she made them so FUN!  I remember learning about Chopin .. the famous composer.  She wrote the word "SHOW" under a small picture of a theater she drew, and another she wrote "PAN" under a picture of a frying pan .. so that we could have a better idea of the "american" way of saying his name.  Then she played a tape of a few of his most famous songs.  I was in 3rd grade, and to this day I remember that.  She later became PTA president, and worked very hard to help our school excel in many ways. 

Daddy worked full time while I was growing up, and showed such a wonderful example of working hard for his family.  His job offered a wonderful vacation package, which allowed him to spend weeks at a time vacationing with his family.  He would never just take vacation time to simply sit around the house and take "ME" time.  If we were not GOING somewhere, he would join right in with whatever we were doing.  There were many summer memories of water fights (usually STARTED by daddy! LOL) that would last for at least an hour (normally, until mom got too fed up and made us stop! HA!).  Daddy would hog the hose, and spray us all if we got near and tried to take it from him.  If, somehow we succeeded in taking the hose, he would get a bucket and run inside the house and fill it up with the kitchen sink, and run out and dump it on one of us! (THAT would tork mom off LOL)

Mom and dad would take us on fantastic camping vacations.  We would pile into the van (yes, most of us 8) and drive around the west coast, camping along the way.  We would go to visit family, showing us the importance of always keeping in touch with our family.  The vacation memories I have built up with my parents, are priceless. 

They loved our friends, and always allowed our home to be a 'hang out' spot.  Many of my friends called my parents mom and dad.  And I know there are many of my brothers' friends that did the same. 

Church was, and still is, of high importance in my parents' lives.  Sadly, most of us didnt feel the same while growing up.  I know that we could have, and SHOULD have respected their views more while we were living with them, but, sigh, we did not.  They DID however plant a seed in our hearts.  Some of my siblings and I are now active church goers as adults.  I am truly grateful for the foundation they set for me.  My faith in God is very strong, and my testimony is unshakable.  And I have my mom and dad to thank for this. 

I call my mom and dad a few times a day.  They are in California, I am in Arizona.  My mom laughs sometimes, saying that she talks to ME more than she talks with some of my siblings that live in the same city as them.  I can honestly say that my mom and dad are some of the best FRIENDS I have ever had, and ever will have.  I know I can tell them anything.  They have set an example to me, of what a parent should be.  I took them for granted when I was younger, as just about every child does.  But, I am so thankful that they were still THERE for me when I needed them.  And they are still here for me when I need them now.  Even through everything I put them through while growing up (and trust me, as I said above, it WAS a lot!) they have showed me that family comes first, no matter WHAT. 

When I grow up, I wanna be just like them.  :) 

My kids are just like yours....

We have been blessed in that we have not had many issues regarding the adoptions of our children.  Both of our families treat our kids like all of the other kids in the family.  Our friends have been great as well.  So yes, we have truly been blessed.  But there have been times when I have been slack jawed by what some people have said.

Over the past 7 1/2 years, we have been blessed to parent 13 little ones.  We are foster parents, as well as adoptive parents.  Mostly, we are simply PARENTS.  We have been blessed to have open adoption relationships with our kids' birth families.  Yes, I have said the word 'blessed' quite often so far .. and there is a reason for that.  "I" feel we are blessed for these things .. others dont see it that way. 

Tom and I are obviously "white".  Well, we have always felt that a child is a child, regardless of color or nationality.  We have fostered (and we are in the process of adopting) biracial children.  We have had some ... INTERESTING comments regarding our kids.  for example:

One afternoon I was shopping with my former foster son, who was almost 2 years old at the time.  He is AA/Hispanic, but looked full AA.  (he was one of the cutest little guys, let me TELL you!!!)  He was in the cart as I was pushing, and we were giggling together.  One older lady came up to us, and asked, in an annoying (to me LOL) tone, "Wherever did you go and GET HIM!" .. it was very obvious she was meaning "what country did this boy come from" .. I could tell by her tone of voice, and by her manner ... I was shocked, and annoyed ... and actually came up with a GREAT LINE on the spot!! (which NEVER happens, its normally after the fact that I come up with the best lines!) so my response was "Isle 6, they had a special"  and I walked off!

I mean, come ON.  What if I had been married to a nice handsome black man?  Just because a WHITE MOM walks around with a BLACK child, does not always mean she went elsewhere to "GET" her child.  Yes, I DO adopt, but give me a break! 

I have also had the comment of "how much did it cost?"  .. first of all, that comment is wrong on SO many levels.  The first thing I noticed was the word "IT"  I know they were actually trying to refer to the adoption itself, but that could also be interpreted as them calling my child "IT"  big X there, to start.  THEN ... ok, my children are priceless.  Yes, we do foster to adopt, which actually didnt cost us the 'normal' thousands of dollars that some other forms of adoption cost ... thats not the point.  Even for those who do pay adoption fees, they dont pay for the CHILD ... they pay the fees to the attorney, agency, workers, etc. Just as someone who gave birth to their child would pay the hospital and doctor bills. 

We specialize in medically fragile, substance exposed babies.  What this means is that some of the babies we have had in our home have had prenatal exposure to drugs.  Its sad, yes.  We dont go spreading that fact around though because its none of the worlds business.  Not every baby or child we have parented have been exposed though.  I can not stand it though, when people ask "did his/her REAL mom use drugs?" ... ok, first of all, its none of your business.  Second of all, "I" am REAL ... and no, I dont/ didnt use drugs...  if you were referring to their birth mom .. then thats HER business, NOT YOURS. 

I have had people ask "what if their real parents see how cute they are and want them back?" ... again, wrong on many levels ... again with the "real" part ... and, well, MY kids are here with me because for one reason or another, their birth families were unable to do what was needed at the time to get them back.  it was NOT because they didnt want them.  Far from it.  My kids' birth parents love these kids with all their hearts!  They were just in a point in their life where they were not ready to parent, for one reason or another.  they never thought their kids were "not cute" .. so when they see that they are cute now, it just means they are STILL cute ... and, I know that (sadly) it doesnt matter how much they want them back, my kids can not go back to their birth parents ... cute OR ugly. 

And then there is the EVER popular, probably heard by just about EVERY adoptive family ... "now that you have adopted, you will get pregnant and have one of your own!"  Ok, FIRST off, yes, there ARE a few families who have been blessed with pregnancy after adoption.  Is this the NORM? FAR FROM IT.  Adoption is NOT a 'cure all' for infertility.  and SECOND ... ahem ... my kids ARE MY OWN!!!!!!  So, do you think that if  I DID become pregnant and have a bio child, that they would be more MY OWN then the ones I didnt give birth to? 

My kids are JUST LIKE YOURS.  I may not have given birth to them.  Does it mean I love them any less than you love your kids?  Nope.  Does it mean I paid bookoo bucks to get them? NOPE .. I paid in heartache and years of pacing the floors, years of crying myself to sleep, PRAYING I would finally be a mom.  There IS a difference though .... my kids each have TWO moms and TWO dads that love them.  We are the mom and dad who live with them and take daily care of them ..their forever mom and dad.  They also have a birth mom and a birth dad, who love them and pray for them as well.  How lucky are my kids?  VERY!  BUT .. how lucky are Tom and I?  Words can not describe how lucky we feel to have our kids. 

So people ... I know that some of you are simply curious, most have only the best intentions ... but please, do me a favor?  THINK before you SPEAK. 

Darts, and examples

About 7 months or so ago, I found Gina and Chris playing with a dart ... yes, the real, pointy kind you throw at a dart board.  Tom had been given this cheezy dart board for Christmas a few years ago, and the kids found one of the darts.  I was busy, and didnt have a lot of time, but I didnt want them to continue to play with the dart, so I took it out of their hands, and tossed it at the wall above the refrigerator.  I figured, this way, its up, WAY out of their reach, and it will be out of mind. 

Fast forward to tonight, 5 minutes ago.  Tom learned that Gina and Chris had found FOUR more darts (where these were hidden, I have no clue, because I sure as heck had no idea where this dart game was put!) ... and what were they doing?  Throwing them at the wall .. because thats what MOMMY does with them!!!

Note to self ... my kids remember EVERYTHING ... and they WILL try and repeat what I do in front of them . . . . so watch out!

my dream .. to be a mom

I remember being as young as 8 years old, and having dreams at night that I was all grown up, and pregnant.  I had dreams like that often.  I dont know if that is "NORMAL" for a child that young, but, alas, I had them.  I was always happy in my dreams.

When I was a little older, I would 'pretend' at night that I was pregnant ... I would get a small throw pillow, and put it under my shirt and pants, and look in the mirror .... and loved how I looked ...

All I ever wanted was to be a mom.

I am the youngest of 8 children.  To me, having a lot of kids was the "norm".  My sisters began having kids when I was much younger .. in fact, I was an aunt for the first time when I was 2 years old.  I have watched my 3 sisters have their children .. and watched their children grow up, and become moms themselves.  3 of my nieces were moms before me even.

I remember being on the phone with a dear friend a few weeks before Tom and I were married, and telling her, all excited, "There's a chance that this time next year I might already be a MOMMY!!!!"

Well, that time next year came and went, and no, I was not a mommy yet.  the FOLLOWING year that time came and went, and still, no.  we had begun infertility treatments by that time.  I had begun to know what it felt like to cry myself to sleep month after month after month.  I learned what it felt like, when I saw a woman pregnant, or holding a baby, and all I wanted to do was run away.

I also learned that there werent many people who "understood".  "Oh, it'll happen! dont worry!" ... "Stop TRYING and next thing you know you will be pregnant" .. "Stop stressing over it .. " ... "so, you dont WANT kids?" .... "oh, you're young, you have PLENTY of years to wait!" ... those were only a few of the lines that I received.  (oh, and then there are the lines Ive been getting since the adoptions!!! now THOSE are interesting ones, let me TELL you!)

I KNEW in my heart I was going to be a mom .. I KNEW it.  But, nothing was happening.  We went to infertility specialists, did treatments, and had a few 'successes' .. but, they turned into miscarriages.  Over the years I have had at least 11 miscarriages.  We did IVF twice (one fresh one frozen) ... and nothing.

The emotions were finally beyond anything I could take any longer.  And, to top it off, when we found out our last IVF had failed, Tom learned that he was being laid off from his job at IBM.  Which meant, in my eyes, I would never be a mom ... how could we afford treatments?  we couldnt even afford adoption with no JOB!!!!!

But, I somehow learned about foster to adopt.  it scared the daylights out of me, let me tell you.  How could I allow them to place a baby in my arms, knowing there was a chance that they would come back and take them away from me?!?!?!  BUT .. how could I NOT allow them to even TRY to place a baby in my arms, even for a short period of time, allowing me a chance to try on that odd, distant, impossible name, "MOMMY"?  So we went for it, and began the process to become foster parents, in the hopes of adopting.

The process took a lot longer than we had expected.  One of the things we needed done was a home inspection, which we were told we would get within 3 weeks after the paperwork was turned in . . . well, 3 weeks came and gone ... 6 weeks, came and gone ... 10 weeks, came and gone .. by that time I was a sobbing wreck.  I remember calling my mom one evening in tears, saying "I could have been LICENSED WEEKS ago .. who knows, I might have been missing the opportunity for babies already!!!! WHY ME!?!?!?!" ... she of course, did the best she could and tried to comfort me as best she could.  I love my mother dearly, but at the time all I felt was "she had 8 children, what does SHE know about what Im going through!" ... but, I pressed on, as she suggested .. what else was I to do?

Finally, EVERYTHING was simply waiting on that home inspection ... and after 13 weeks of waiting, I had someone come to the house and inspect.  He was at the house all of FIVE MINUTES!!!!!!  He called my info in, and the very next day, February 28, we were OFFICIALLY licensed foster parents!!!!!!

After that, I waited by the phone on pins and needles!  every time the phone rang, my heart skipped a beat .. wondering if it was going to be "THE" call!  Thankfully, I didnt have to wait long, because on March 11, 2003, I left in the morning to drive Tom to work .. and while I was gone, a phone call came, at our HOUSE! And yes, I wasnt HOME to get it!!!! Thank goodness for answering machines!! LOL

We learned about our beautiful little girl, Gina, on her 6 month birthday.  We were told on the machine that there was a pretty, dark haired baby girl, with teeny tiny little feet, and her name was Virginia.  If we were interested in learning more about it, please call back.  well, of COURSE we called ... we learned more about her .. and brought her home on March 21, 2003.  And that began my roll as the most wonderful person in the world ... MOMMY.

I have now been a mom for 7 1/2 years ... over that time I have been mommy to 13 little ones, 5 of whom are with us now.  It has always broken my heart to see one go, but my first 2, Gina and Christopher, are here forever ... and when one of our little ones left, I ALWAYS had my forever ones to hug and squeeze .. I will NEVER be without my children again.  I will forever be MOM.  Gina and Chris's adoptions are final, Gracie will  be final within the next couple months (we go from the foster agency to the adoption agency with her next month!!!) Maya will be within the next few months (there are a few more T's to cross and I's to dot .. but she WILL be here forever as well) .. and Nik is looking VERY much like he will be forever here as well.

I began at a very early age, wanting to be a mommy.  It didnt turn out how I had originally thought it would, but you know what?  As hard as it has been .. I wouldnt change it for the world.  My children are the best things that have ever happened to Tom and I.  I LOVE seeing my husband as the father he has become. And I LOVE the person that my children have turned me into.

Things dont always turn out how you want ... but always remember ... if you have a dream ... make it happen .. even if it does NOT happen how you originally dreamed it.  :)

Sore muscles ... wow ..

Well, Im not pushing myself, yet, I AM pushing myself when it comes to the exercise.  I am NOT going over my personal limit .. like say, RUNNING ... but, I am walking fast on the treadmill.  Im walking roughly 3 to 3.5 mph.  I am allowing myself breaks every 10 minutes or so, but steady wins the race ....

Ive enjoyed this .. it is becoming easier, and my breaks are needing to be less time. 

BUT ... I am sore.  my legs and feet are really sore by the end of the day.  I have always suffered with RLS (restless leg syndrome) ... and this just makes it all the more apparent. 

Does it hurt? to a degree, yes.  am I complaining about it? no.  is it going to get better? yes.  when? I DONT KNOW but I sure hope its SOON! LOL

Oh, yeah, my arms are sore too, because I have 10 lb weights Ive been slowly working with as Im sitting down reading, as well as one of those as seen on TV arm shakers. . . which honestly gives the arms a great work out. 

Talked with my doctor

I had a scheduled doctor appointment regarding a medication check up .. (sadly take a few, due to GERD, Thyroid issues, etc) ... and decided to talk with my doctor about the 8 weeks challenge.  I figured that Im making a big life style change here, all for the better, and that since Im going to be losing quite a few pounds with this, that my doctor should be involved.

He was THRILLED!  He said he KNOWS how hard it is to make this sort of change and commitment, and he commended me for doing so good so far.  He also gave me a prescription for a medication he ONLY prescribes to those who have made this 'type' of lifestyle change and commitment, and who are following through with it.  It is a medication that goes side by side with the work I am already doing, and it helps my metabolism work better allowing me to lose more weight.  I am to check with him once a month while I am still losing weight, so that he can monitor me and make sure all is well. 

I have decided that this 8 weeks challenge is mostly here to begin my new life.  I have done it before (lost quite a lot of weight!) and Ill post a couple of pictures.  But, for one reason or another, something happens and it comes back.  One time it was because I just STOPPED doing the "RIGHT" lifestyle ... one time I gained a LOT of weight due to anti seizure medications, and there was only so much I could do about THAT .. BUT, along with that, I eventually stopped the good lifestyle again and here I am.  sigh.  BUT ... this was the best swift kick in the butt that I could have received ... and Im doing fantastic.

I have a "BEFORE" and "AFTER" picture of Tom and I, early on in our marriage.  now, I was pretty thin for our wedding .. and the before picture here, was only 3 years later ... in our first apartment here in Tucson.  the After picture, was about a year and a half later.  pretty BIG difference, eh? 

I really look forward to when I can post my before and after pictures for this go round.  

Sugar withdrawals

Well, the past few days have been up and down (mostly down) for me . . . and I had a lightbulb moment this afternoon!  its been a week and a half since I had any sugar, pop, energy drink, etc!  my body is going through withdrawals!  LOL ... no WANDER Ive been moody lately! 

So, Im pretty sure I am mostly past the worst of it ... so over the next few days I should  begin to feel better.  Im really proud of myself for actually getting to the point where I AM having sugar withdrawals though! HAHAHA you know what I mean?

its been a "NEED NEW SHOES" day today ;)

so I wont go into detail, because its just been one thing after the other today LOL ...  BUT, it was one of those "can I find a hole and hide?" days ... SO . . . I happened to go to payless and found a cute pair of shoes ...now, NORMALLY, Id look and say "cute, but Im too tall for that style" ... but this time I decided that its just been a "NEED NEW SHOES" day and I bought them anyways.  Now, if you see, they have a LARGE wedge heel . .  . .I have to learn how to walk in them! LOL and tonight was proof of that. 

You see .. I was at a Relief Society meeting (meeting for women at church) this evening, and at the end of the meeting, I FELL.  As I was falling, I moved just so, so that i could have a smooth landing (Ive had enough twisted ankles to know the right way to land when falling LOL) and 90% of the eyes turned to face me as I fell. LOL ... my first words were "HAH!  I need to learn how to WALK in these new shoes!" .. and giggled.  Which prompted some other giggles (AFTER they checked that I was OK of course, which yes, I was and am) .. and then the stories began about how this gal fell this way, and that gal fell that way, all due to their shoes LOL.  so, I am NOT alone, and therefore honestly I cant even say "nothing hurt but my pride" cause I didnt even bruise that LOL. 

Playing at the mall

I took Maya and the babies to the mall today ... most of the time we were walking around the mall, the babies in the stroller, and Maya and I moving along, so that I could get my exercise in.  but, I made sure that there was time for he little ones to play in the play area.

Maya as usual had a wonderful time meeting new friends and playing around.  The babies, now they found a whole new world!  This was the first time since Gracie learned how to crawl, that we have been to the play area of the mall we were at today, and she discovered that there is SO MUCH MORE to the play area than just sitting down at mommy's feet.  She learned that there were toys,  and tunnels, and slides, and lots and lots of room to simply crawl!

Nik learned that there were slides ... and that not only is it fun to climb up the steps, but its evidently more fun to climb up the slide itself!   Who needs to slide DOWN the slide, when you can climb up the darn thing and have just as much fun!

I was down on the padded floor just as much as they were .. crawling around with them from toy to toy, area to area, child to child.  New and fun things for the babies to explore, and exciting and fun new friends for Maya to play with.

After over an hour in the play area, we were finally ready to leave the mall ... and all 3 of the little ones fell right asleep once we pulled out of the parking lot!  They sure played themselves to the bone today!  Wowwy wow wow ... :)

the 8 weeks challenge

Ok, so we are winding up our first week of the 8 week challenge.  and i have to say its been a great week.  has it been easy? NO.  has it been worth it? YES! 

One of the things I LOVE about this challenge is that it is a well rounded challenge .. its not just about 'keeping fit' or 'loosing weight' or things like that .. its about making a BETTER ME ... not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well.  I have truly enjoyed reading scriptures every day this week!  I have enjoyed trying to come up with ways to do an act of service or kindness to someone every day. (that has not been easy LOL)

In talking with Karli (one of the organizers of  the challenge) .. there have been some not so nice emails sent to them regarding this challenge .. with people who have gleaned the totally WRONG information from this .. talking about how sad and angry they are that this challenge is 'forcing' people to exercise every day, and making people think they HAVE to loose weight, or that they are NOT already beautiful and HAVE to change themselves. 

HELLO?  COME ONE!!!! this is NOT about weight loss.  this is NOT about us not already being beautiful.  this is NOT about CHANGING WHO WE ARE ... this is about gaining BETTER lifestyle habits, which is ALWAYS a good thing.  it is about being better at who we already are!  Where is there ANYTHING WRONG in doing an act of service and kindness daily to someone?  where is there ANYTHING WRONG with making sure to drink enough water a day, or get enough sleep every day, or eating fruits and veggies, cutting all the excess sugars and sodas and such?  HELLO? 

I have truly ENJOYED this first week!  I AM a better ME.  Was I a "bad" me before? NO.  Is it ok to be willing to improve on the good we already have within ourselves? YES YES YES!  it is a GREAT thing to do. 

I have had more energy this week, I have had a smile on my face more often this week, I have been down right PROUD of myself this week on MANY levels, and as a bonus, I have actually LOST WEIGHT and had to move my belt up a hole. 

Is anyone forcing me to do this? NO.  Do I HAVE to do EVERYTHING 100%? well, according to the challenge rules, no.  BUT .. the structure of this challenge is such that for "ME" I DO have to do 100% .. WHY you ask? because I am holding myself accountable for these things.  Is anyone else? NO.  so if I DO slip .. will it hurt anyone but me? NOPE. 

So for anyone who has felt that this "8 weeks to a better you" challenge is a BAD thing ... then they can just stuff it.  LOL.  if someone feels that, then they have issues of their own! LOL. 

for me? I am enjoying this.  I am proud of myself.  I am in 100% compliance as of today for the challenge.  and I AM HAPPY! 

so there. 

Today was a L O N G day

Tom and I started the day off early .. leaving the house at 6:45 am .. we needed to go to Phoenix, which is only 2 hours away.  We were making great time, and about a minute after Tom commented on that fact, we hit traffic on the highway ... an HOUR LATER, after only moving ROUGHLY 50 feet ... we learned that there was a BAD accident 3 miles ahead, and the freeway was CLOSED due to it .. a half an hour later, we were finally able to turn around (going through the medium .. woops .. ) and begin the detour ... yes, we sat, practically PARKED on the highway for just over an hour and a half ... I even got out of the van a few times and walked around .. I took the babies out of their carseats and walked them around .. etc.  so, the detour was also backed up, due to everyone having to be moved that way .. and all in all, our 2 hour drive, turned into a FIVE hour drive!  We got done what needed to be done, then had to turn around and drive the 2 hours (yes, the roads going HOME were open thank goodness) to get home. 

there were other situations in the day that made the day continue to be long .. but actually they were good (went to a halloween themed bday party for my cousins son this evening .. )

All in all, even through all of that, I was able to do all of the things on my 8 weeks challenge.  (and here I am writing in the blog for the last point.  :) ) ... my exercising was spread out through the day .. a little walking, a little moving, a few arm stretches in the van while Tom was driving home from above mentioned party ... after the long day today, Im glad I was able to add this that and the other together to come up with 45 minutes of exercises ... because darn it, Im just too dang tired to go on that treadmill tonight!  heck, I spent a TOTAL of just around 9 hours in the VAN today!!   Being that I got ANY exercise in is something in and of itself! LOL

we did get good news from Gracie's neurologist though .... I figured I wouldnt even get a call till next week to schedule the EEG, but while on the road HOME from Phoenix, I received a phone call and we have now scheduled Gracies EEG.  the cool or .. interesting thing is ... we will go on Mon the 18th at 3pm ... they will hook her up to all the wires and electrodes, then send us HOME till 2 pm the next day.  we will be at HOME with all the 'gear' for her EEG .  .. whoda thunk! 

Gracies neurology appointment

We went to Gracies Neurologist today and we are now waiting for the insurance authorization to do a 24 hour EEG.  The Neuro wants to see if she can catch one of her head tremors, and see if this is a seizure ..... or something else.  So, once we get the prior auth, we are going to be admitted into the hospital, she will be hooked up to all the lines and wires, and we get to 'enjoy' the hospital for roughly 30 hours.  not really looking forward to it, yet we NEED to do it.  I hope that we can catch a tremor or two so that the dr can get a good view!  Ill update more as we learn info.  :) 

Thankful for friends

I just have a few things to say.  I am so thankful for friends.  I do have many friends, and I am very lucky for this.  I know that when I need help, my friends will be there to help me.  Sometimes its by helping with the kids .. sometimes its by calling me .. sometimes its simply by posting me a message or comment saying just what I need to hear.  There have been times when I have truly been saved by my friends, and I am very grateful. 

much on my mind tonight

Well, I have a lot on my mind tonight.  Some I can talk about, some I can not.

I had a rough day today .. lots of emotions going on .. got really ticked off at a company that we have no choice but to work with ... I was so ready to bash heads today.  sigh. 

And tomorrow, I have another appointment for Gracie.  Tomorrow is her Neurology appointment .. I am SOOOOOOO thankful for it. . we NEED it for her. BUT ... I cant take Nik or Maya, and therefore, yet again, I have to call upon friends to watch them.  I feel bad for this, for a few reasons.  For one, I am calling on someone at least once a week to watch them.  Two, one of my friends is nearing the end of her pregnancy, and doesnt have the energy she used to have .... Three, I miss being able to call on my BFF Karleen (who moved from here to Alaska earlier this year .. sniff sniff) and my dear friend Liz (who is now a school teacher and therefore cant help during the day)

 I have a son who wont go to bed at night .. no matter what ... he comes in the room over and again and again ... and finally we give up and let him sleep on the floor in our room,  simply to make it so that we can get some sleep. 

I have ....

oh sigh Im sorry ... its just one of those nights.  tomorrow Ill feel better about things.  Life goes on, even though the normal stresses of life.  sigh

ADD / ADHD

ADD and ADHD are not HANDICAPS.  They are not LABELS.  They are not BAD.  They are just a part of life for some people.  Do ADD/ADHD folks need to be medicated? some do, some don't.  is it BAD to medicate those with ADD/ADHD?  NO!  If they TRULY have it, and the medication helps them, then by all means, USE IT! 

The problem with medication though, is that all too often, especially in children, there is a MIS-DIAGNOSIS!  And if the child/person does NOT have ADD/ADHD, then the medications will really mess things up.  There are too many people on the medications that do not actually HAVE ADD/ADHD ... there systems get all jacked up ... and then there grows a stigma about ADD/ADHD medications. 

Why am I talking about these things?  Well, my husband, daughter, and son all have it.  I live with it every day.  There are times when it can get aggravating, yes.  But, there are times when I dont even think about the fact that my house is filled with those who have these dx.

All 3 of them have different reactions to theirs.  With Tom, he has to fidget a lot.  You will always find him with either silly putty, a small toy/lego, or something similar in his hands, as he absentmindedly diddles with them.  We have learned that while he does this ... he can concentrate a lot better.  His legs (mostly his right leg) bounces up and down constantly.  Most people dont even notice it, because it is only slightly moving, yet, it is moving none the less.  Again, it is an "out" for his ADD.  Though concentration is not his 'main' issue with the ADD.  He has a hard time with change.  I learned this the hard way early on in our marriage.  I LOVE change ... so, I used to rearrange our kitchen and livingroom in our first apartment, all the time. the microwave would move, the toaster would move, the chair would move, the end table would move, etc.  It took me quite some time to realize how hard it affected Tom.  Once I figured that out ... I stopped doing the rearranging. 

With Christopher, he received his dx at age 3.  We started him on medications at that time, but quickly learned that he was NOT ready for the meds, and took him off of them.  If you know Chris only at the school, you would never EVER guess he has ADD.  Once he gets on the bus to go to school, he is able to put the ADD "on hold" ... and is such a fantastic student!  He THRIVES on the structure of school.   Though I try to continue the same structure at home, its just not the same.  Then, when I pick him up from school .... all of the pent up energy, attitude, etc blows up all at once and he has a rough time for about half an hour.  But you know, Id MUCH rather have it this way, because he does fantastic at school .. and I can deal with his blow ups at home.  Im his mom, so its OK.  Though, he has 'other' issues connected with the ADD.  He has a very hard time sleeping.  No matter how tired he is, he has a very hard time going to sleep before 10 or 11 pm.  and thats when we are lucky.  There have been times when we have had to lay with him until past midnight ... hoping he would finally fall asleep.  But, we are working with him, and that is all we can do at this time in his life.

Gina hasnt officially received her dx yet, but we are working on that.  We are learning now that she has a very hard time concentrating in school.  Her attn is elsewhere.  Her teacher says that she can be looking at Gina, telling her some instructions, and Gina is just, there yet not.  And then, Gina can not remember receiving those instructions.  She doesnt have the excess energy that Chris has ... she doesnt blow up like he does ... but, she just cant seem to concentrate on one thing / task for very long. 

My mother in law has a LOT of experience with ADD/ADHD, as her boys all have it.  She has seen many different views on it.  She has experienced many issues with teachers, school leaders, etc, because of the actions of her boys.  She has watched the reactions of her sons as they tried many different medications ... some worked, some did not.  Some worked for one, while not for another.

There are many people who think that ADD or ADHD is an excuse.  well, for some, it might be.  But for my family, it is NOT.  It is a part of life, and we have learned, and are continuing to learn how to live with it, in its many forms and realities. 


So, if you know someone, or have a family member or friend who has ADD / ADHD .. remember ... you can make it a "label" an "excuse" a "handicap" .... but you dont have to.  Its not easy .... but its something that CAN be worked with and lived with ... :)

Gracie's 'stuff'

So, one of the problems we have had with Gracie, is her head tremors.  She will be sitting, looking at something, and her head will begin to shake.  They last normally between 5 and 30 seconds.  then she goes out of it and is back to "normal" ... she has quite a few tremors a day.  This evening alone, in the last 2 hours, I personally have seen her have 8 episodes.  Gina tells me she has seen a couple as well.  Tonight is worse than normal .. as far as we can tell.  We dont know what is "different" tonight from any other night, to cause her to have more tremors ... but we will for sure keep a stronger eye on her through the night.

She has an appointment on Thursday with her Neurologist, and I am so thankful we will finally be seeing her.  There are quite a few things I am wanting to discuss with Dr. Fike, but the fact that the tremors are increasing is really worrying me, and I am so thankful we are only a few short days away from being able to talk about them.  I dont know what is causing the tremors .. if they have any relation to seizures, or whatever it may be.  We are probably about to begin a lot of tests on the neurological side of things .. to add to the other tests we are already doing for other situations. 

She is eating ... a "LITTLE" more .. meaning she is willing to swallow maybe a bite or two of puree's a day!  THAT IS FANTASTIC NEWS for this little one!  but ... she is beginning to lose ounces ... which is NOT a good thing.  Now that she is crawling .. and getting better at  doing so (she can crawl nearly half way across the livingroom in one go now before having to stop and rest!! YAYAYAY!) she is needing the calories more and more ... yet she is not getting them.  We are more than likely going to start adding more calories to her bottles to try and keep up for her. 

Nik is being so helpful.  He loves to play "chase" with Grace ... he'll crawl a bit, then stop, look behind him towards Gracie, grinning, as if to say "are you gonna get me?" then Gracie giggles and follows him ... when she begins moving he moves again a ways, stops and looks back again .. its the cutest thing EVER!  He wont go too far, as though he KNOWS that she can only go a little ways before she has to stop and rest... and he waits for her .. even though this boy can really BOOK it and MOVE FAST! LOL .. he waits for his sister.  and she learns from him daily! Its fantastic.  Nik truly is a blessing to our family ... and more to Gracie than any other in our home.  Gracie has learned so much from him in the few months he has been in our family ... and now, they cant stand to be apart from one another. 

The Lord truly knows what He is doing in our family.  :) 

Day one.

So, I have begun day one of my 8 week challenge.  Last night was officially the beginning, as I was to have 7 hours of sleep last night.  You know, I think THAT is going to be my biggest challenge ... even over taking out junk food stuff ... because I have 2 babies who still dont sleep through the night, and they NEVER wake at the same time as the other ... BUT .. I scraped by last night and GOT my 7 hours!  just barley, but I did it! 

One of the things that I have decided with this challenge ... in the end, I want to have lost weight.  Will I set a loss goal? no.  Why? because my MAIN goal is to have gained better habits once more.  Ive done it in the past, I can do it again.  But, with this challenge, I have a better chance of doing it ... I do much better when I am "CHALLENGED" then when I just decide on my own to try this or that.  So in the end of these 8 weeks, so long as I stick to this, and follow through, not only will I gain new, better habits, but, I WILL have lost weight.  Its kind of an added bonus to this!  with the eating better, and exercising for 45 minutes daily ... :) yay! 

So, day one has begun, and I am going to be going out today to buy more veggies and fruit ... because my kids have decided that they want to do that part with me (wee ha!) Im also going to buy myself a better water bottle .. since I will be drinking more water (I already drink a lot, but, may as well add!)

So, I have a full day ahead of me, and I AM GOING to earn my 10 points today! PERIOD! 

8 weeks to a better ME!

So, starting tomorrow morning, I am going to participate in a challenge, called "8 Weeks to a Better YOU!"  ... Here is a link to the information . . ."heres the deal" .. 8 weeks to a better YOU!   ..

So, one of the things that I am to do in this challenge, is to write for 15 minutes a day in my journal, or, in this case, my blog.  SO . .. you will be seeing me blog EVERY day, for 15 minutes a day, for the next 8 weeks.  You might get bored, and not read, and that is up to you.  as for me, Ill do the writing anyways.  lol

I am also going to be doing much more, to make myself better.  there are about 20 of us that are doing this challenge right now.  Im really nervous .. yet excited.  my goal by the end of the 8 weeks .. is to have actually DONE it! LOL.  one day at a time .. thats all it takes.  and in the end, there WILL be a better me!

but, for now (tee hehehe!) Im taking one last opportunity to have a banana split ;) (cause there will be no more sweets for the nest 8 weeks!! gasp!).  its now made and ready for me, so I guess Ill "talk" with ya tomorrow!

Nik

Nik is number 5 ... and is only 16 days younger than Gracie.

We have known about Nik since before he was born, because he is my BFF's grand nephew.  But, we learned in June that he had been placed in CPS custody, and by July 2, he was in my arms. 

He is a MOVER let me TELL YOU! LOL This boy does NOT know how to stay still!  He crawls everywhere like a speed racer, and he is ready to start walking at any time. 

He has been such a big help with Gracie .. as she watches everything that he does.  He loves to play chase with her, now that she is crawling finally .. he will crawl, giggle, stop and look behind him "telling her" in his own little way to "come and get me!"  and what does she do?  Giggle and crawl after him!  he moves again and stops to wait for her once more!  He is so smart that way! 

He is also strong willed and wow .. when he wants something LOL he makes it KNOWN! 

At the moment, though we would LOVE to adopt him, (and there is a chance!) we have to wait for the court to decide where he will be adopted.  We already know that his birth parents rights will be terminated .. its just a matter of deciding as a court, where he will stay forever. 

Gracie

Gracie is number 4.  She will be ONE YEAR OLD in November! GASP! 

We learned about Gracie when she was 13 days old, and the following day I went to pick her up from the NICU.  She was a whopping 4 pounds 2 ounces when I brought her home! (she was 3 lb 11 oz at birth!)  and preemie clothes were too big for her! 

She has some developmental delays ... due to her prematurity, and a few other factors.  We have quite a few therapists for her ... and specialists.  BUT ... though she has these disabilities,  this does not define who she is.  She is a bubbly, happy, bright eyed baby girl who LOVES her siblings ... is a MAJOR daddy's girl, and oh yeah, she likes me too ;)  her giggle is simply TOO cute for words! 

She is a go getter ... she has figured out how to do things in HER OWN way ... and she has yet to give up on anything!  Im so lucky to be her mommy! 

Oh, and yes, she is a forever member of our family as well .. and will finalize her adoption with in the next few months.  :) 

Maya

Maya is our number three.  She will be 4 years old in January .. her birthday is the day after mine, which means my birthday is forever in the shadow of this lovely little one.

We FIRST received "THE CALL" about Maya in May 2009.  She came to us that very day.  She didnt talk, had anxiety problems, and a handful of other 'issues' ... she had been in another foster home that wasn't in her best interest (to put it lightly) .. but, within a week, she began to open up and blossom!  She lived with us for 5 months, and was able to go ... "home" to her birth mom.  at the time I was sad to see her go, yet excited to have participated in a reunification!!!  BUT .. sadly, only 5 short months later ... we received an emergency phone call, and she was back in our home in February 2010.  This time though, she is HERE TO STAY. 

Maya is so energetic!  She loves to sing, make people laugh, and make sure everyone is "OK".  Her favorite cartoon is Dora .. and she simply adores Sesame street.  She would LOVE to be more of a helper to the babies, but alas, she isnt too much bigger than they are right now! LOL

Maya is a joy to have and a fantastic addition to our forever family!

Chris

Chris is our second ... he will be 7 in November. 

We received "THE CALL" about this young man on December 11, 2003 .. he was 11 days old!  We were placed with him because we already had his cousin, Gina in our home.  (yes, their beautiful birth mothers are sisters) and he came home when he was 19 days old.  And all of a sudden, Gina grew into a GIANT when we saw this tiny little not even 5 pound baby boy! 

Chris is full of energy!  He can run run run and hardly becomes tired!  he LOVES Math and numbers, and would LOVE to do what the "Mythbusters" do when he grows up. lol.

He is quite funny and has the greatest smile in the world!  He loves to help with the babies, yet ... only for a few moments, cause he's gotta be on the go!  and, he simply ADORES Super Mario Brothers. 

What we have to do now though, is teach this young man to go to SLEEP before midnight ;) (sadly, he has problems going to sleep)

Gina

Gina is my oldest.  She is 8 going on 18.

We first received "THE CALL" about her on March 11, 2003 ..  on her 6 month birthday.  We brought her home on March 21 ... and she has been a delight ever since!

She is a beautiful, loving, helpful, STRONG WILLED young lady with a lot of potential for the future.  She loves to laugh, and make others laugh.  she LOVES being a big sister, and loves helping with the babies.

One problem though, is that she and I are very much alike.  This is good in many ways, yet, we are so much alike, that we clash.  She is very strong willed, as I said before, and likes to have the last word.  (yeah, she's going to be "FUN" as a teenager, let me tell ya!)

Even with her strong will, she is a great daughter and I am SO LUCKY to be her mom!

havent blogged in YEARS

Well, I have decided to try my hand at a blog once more.  I havent done this in years.  Back when blogging first began, I was actually in the handful of first gen. bloggers.  I created my own blog, with my own HTML, (yeah, before blogspot even began!!!!! LOL) .. there were no blog servers at that time.  I had a handful of followers .. made a few good friends.  I even worked with a few graphics design friends and created a "free blog layout" website, and we created blog layouts that anyone could use.  it was a LOT of fun! but then, life got in the way lol.

I have a lot 'going on' now.  I am the mother to 5 active kids .. Gina just turned 8, Chris is 7, Maya is 3, and Gracie and Nik will be a year old in November.

Gracie has a lot of medical needs, so she fills up any spare time my other children might leave.

There are times though when I just need to "TALK".  I have facebook, which is FANTABULOUS!  but, I cant "let it out" as much there, if you know what I mean.  So, here I am, back in the blogging world.  Lets see how long this lasts ;)