Tuesday, March 31, 2009

I contributed

I was looking through the Stellan Name Gallery and thought of the possibilities. "What could I possibly do that would show that I am thinking of and praying for sweet Stellan?" I wanted something somewhat challenging because so much is easy for me to "get away with" doing the least that I can do. Not this time! I wanted it to be something BIG! SO on that note I painted his sweet name on a grain of rice! TALK ABOUT BIG! haha

I had at least 20 grains of rice with the name "stella" on it (so if you are a stella out there... they are all yours!) I mean his name could have been Bo for pete's sake! Just sayin' :)

What a wonderful world God created that we would all learn to call on HIS name in a desperate situation such as this and rally together with "strangers" in prayer for someone we don't even "know". How blessed are we!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

OUTDOORS!!!

Today was a dear friend's wedding day. It was a bit chilly and really windy but all in all it was beautiful! The sun was bright... there was no rain, the bride and groom were there and both beautiful/handsome.

J kept the boys home for the wedding ceremony mainly because they were sleeping but also because it is just easier in this phase of life to skip the "important" things with them if you can get away with it. (Hence the trying to leave them in their room for the baby shower last weekend!) Otherwise you end up with a toddler up on stage with your grandmother's cane singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider"!


So he let them sleep their naps and then came to the reception. We snuck off to a little area where there was nothing but fun grass and trees and buildings... The place was a well manicured place that is for sure. I love the downtown here.. there is so much history and it is beautiful! So many old plantation houses and such. They have so much character and most of them are done up so elegantly that you can have weddings and photo shoots and receptions at their location.

We had a wonderful time taking photos. Had I been a little more in tune to it I would have snagged a friend to snap our picture (you know, ALL of us together!). But for now I just wanted some fresh ones of the boys outdoors!






Bear was more interested in being all boy and playing with sticks that the only shots I was getting of him were with his back to me running away. Finally I had to lay on the ground and pretend I was rolling around (yeah in order to pretend that you actually HAVE TO DO IT! Just an FYI!) haha. He thougth that was fun enough so he followed suite and layed down also. I got him just as he was coming up and BAM it's the good one! hahaha I did it... A successful shot of a Bear in springtime!




(I was under attack :))

Moe was a lot easier... he's pretty easy to please, just make sure his momma bear is close by!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Das Not Funny Friday

It’s finally Friday! How many times this week did you hear or see something and think… “Das Not Funny!” but then realize that it actually was pretty funny? Well, such is the purpose of this blogapolooza known as Das Not Funny! Friday.
Check out this blog to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going over here you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought Das Not Funny! then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…

This past weekend I held a baby shower for my sister and her new baby at our home. My boys were scheduled for a nap right during the shower. BUT seeing that my mother and most of my family was here... there was no chance that I was getting away with not having them in the spot light! So they join the party.

Our oldest son, Bear, has become quite the singer lately. He is very musically inclined I might add. He has learned Pat-a-cake, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle, twinkle little star and Little Bunny Fu Fu. He likes to sing to you when you start him off (usually). Well this time I walk into our living room and see the stage set for our 17 month old.

He has snagged my grandmother's cane (whith the four feet at the bottom) and was using it for his mic. He was standing on our ottoman in the center of the room. He was really getting into it! I grabbed my camera and started shooting! The first one is blurry... forgot I am using SLR now hehe. I could not believe that he was so bold and forward! Guess he was comfortable! haha





For now that is all I can think of. I will have to start writing this stuff down.

Won't you now join the fun!

PrOjEcT bAtHrOoM

We just don't have enough to do! Hahhahahahahahhahahahahhaha... okay so that's a lie! But I really needed to see something different in the guest bath (our bathroom also buuuuut that will be another time).

You see we (for now) live in a manufactured home (yes a tray-lor house, as pronounced here in TX)... we are buying the land and eventually will build on it (I look forward to that day with great eagerness). Until we do we are living in the cardboard box on stilts.... nothing against them... except that the way they are made they are not meant to be "forever". We bought it used (already 10 years old). It is in fairly good condition given it's age.

It is 2,000 sq ft (almost), 4 br, 2 bath. two living areas and a wbf (nice unless you live in TX where it is NEVER cold enough to light a fire in the fireplace!) We have a huge garden tub in our bathroom as well as a large walk in closet that connects to our bathroom. So we are not really lacking by any means, it is just that things are starting to go down hill...like plumbing and the carpet is, well gross is a good term for it. The people before us had a little dog that was apparently not house trained and so there is a certain spot that it'd use as it's "scratching" grounds! uuuggghhh! And needless to say carpet in a bathroom is just GROSS. PERIOD! So that has been one of my projects on my list to get done. tile the bathrooms (not to mention get rid of all the wall paper look and "faux borders"... you know the ones that are tacky that you can see in most of my pictures.) We painted our bedroom and the boys bedroom is half done and the LR is done but to come is the Den, kitchen bathrooms, spare room and my art room! Then we want to do laminate wood flooring throughout the house (minus bedrooms... new carpet there).

But that's beside the point. Back to the Bathroom project!

here is the before (but after the carpet is gone of course.)


And this is the "tile" that we are putting down! It is peel and stick of course because it is relatively cheaper and the real deal is way to hard and long a process when you have two toddlers running around! Besides you can grout this stuff and it looks good to me! I figure also that if we will eventually be moving out of this and selling it then it doesn't need to be top of the line! Right?.


Man I can't wait to see the finished product! Thanks honey for all your hard work and effort!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

This is my forward

Okay let me explain... I DETEST FORWARDS (unless they are clean and hysterical!) I got this one this morning and laughed for ten minutes straight while crying puddles on the floor! IT'S THAT GOOD!

- I don't know where it originated but I am not claiming to have started this. Just sayin'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall.

You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern "seat covers" (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!), yank down your pants, and assume " The Stance."

In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold "The Stance."

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, "Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!" Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail.

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. "Occupied!" you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT. It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, "You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get."

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, "Here, you just might need this."

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, "What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?"

This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with public restrooms (rest??? you've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men why it really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The for now plan

April 28th is our "due date". We will be bringing home baby boy Wachsmann after that morning! So I am told. It started out it was going to be Cinco De Mayo as of this morning and then the court date was changed for April 28th! I am okay with a week sooner!

I will update if anything else changes!

hooray mommy

I was on the potty this morning and Bear comes in and starts cheering me on. Clapping his hands wildly and bringing me toys, proclaiming, "Mommy pee pee"

I guess he is learning after all!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Join in Prayer

Most of you know of MckMama through her blog "My Charming Kids", right now they are in desperate need of prayer and a miraculous healing of their youngest son Stellan! He was given a very slim chance of survival when he was still in the womb but he beat all odds and has been alive and well for (about) 3 - 4 months (sorry I am bad with dates). He has been suffering with SVT all night long and on into today. His heart rate is at 280-290 bpm and needs to come down severely. His little body cannot handle much more and his blood pressure is beginning to do random things. Basically he is needing some devine healing intervention!

Please if you feel led to say a prayer for this precious family...do so with a knowing heart that God is good all the time!

Thank you for your time and willingness!

Blessings

What's happening??

I was contacted by a legal assistant for our adoption attorney last night and we are picking dates for the consummation right now!!! FINAL STAGE GALS (and possibly guys)! I cannot believe it. I tried to get April 10 (that's our 5 year anniversary) but she thinks that would be too early to get everything done. So then I was thinking of July 9th (Olivia's 4 year birthday) but that is too far off. She told me they would be ready basically for early May. She told me that she is contacting the court to see what date we can get! HALLELUJAH! THANK YOU JESUS!!!

I am getting so antsy at this point! I am just ready for it to all be done and over with. So I can get back to some normalcy. You know like not having to record every little detail of his life! He is ours and has always been ours from (well, day 7 technically) conception. God had predestined him to us I truly believe!

We will be down to just recording info for one little man. Until the day comes that he is to return home as well! Then we will be awaiting our new member (whoever that may be). We have been praying for him/HER to be brought at the most appropriate time and not a minute sooner! We love seeing the hand of God move in our lives! Amazing!

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This past week has been crazy to say the least!

I had my niece Jessica here with me from Sat night til Wed afternoon. She is great but LOVES attention (which, sorry to say, is not my strong point right now.) Usually we have lots of fun and play games and make all kinds of fun foods but now that the boys are older it is requiring some constant strategizing of when I am to get things done... usually during their naptime or bedtime. So with another little somebody that is older and ready for some fun it makes it complicated to get things done. We did have fun none the less but it was rushed. We did also get to make some fun snacks and goodies!

I had Moe's dental appt on Monday, Final hearing on Tues morning, mom visit later that day, Dad visit on Thursday. It was a nut house around here! AND JOHNNY WORKED ALL WEEK DRIVING so he was not home all day until 8P or later! Usually he is here during the morning and goes to work at 6P so he can help some with child care. Not this time! Man I am exhausted! I am ready for another vacation I think... ALONE! haha

So now it is the week again and today I have another visit for the dad with Moe. Then Wed we have an adoption caseworker visit for Bear at our home... cleaning is in order. It's not bad but I rearranged my furniture to get everyone in the living room so I am needing to put things back where they go.

Luckily I have dropped WIC so that is one less appointment I have to go to. It is so stressful all the paperwork to keep up with and then the WIC people too. I figure God will provide food for these little ones to eat and that I should not have to go through so much work to get a "little help". God is more than enough for us and He will provide! He always has!
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After Jessica went home on Wed I busted behind to get my house clean and in order for my sister's then upcoming baby shower for Saturday! I was so nervous I was going to not get anything done! but it was a success and everyone had fun (I believe). I made snacks galore and a fun dirt cake that I put in a triffle bowl instead of a flower pot! Way cute I must say.... AND DELICIOUS of course!



We had ever so much fun getting to snuggle sweet Devyn that is for sure! I think J needs a little girl and I thing Bear and Moe need a little sister! They look good with pink! haha







Earlier in the week (Wed) we went to a children's resale shop here with my sister and clothes shopped for all the children. I was looking on a clearance rack outside for "wintery" clothes and I found these ADORABLE little outfits for a girl that I would SO dress my girlie in. It was way cheap (one was $2 and the other was $3.50)... it is hard to resist because it is resale so they won't always have that outfit and I LOVED them. So I looked at Moe, whom I was carrying, and asked him what he thought, "should I buy this and put it in the 'we need a baby sister' pile of goodies?" And no sooner than I said that he looked at me and put his little finger up to his mouth as if he were thinking about it and then he grinned really big. My sister, who also witnessed this, and I both started laughing. SO I purchased the two outfits!



Aren't they adorable!
I cannot wait to try them on our little girl someday!
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I am wanting to invite Moe's dad to church with us or at least our small group that meets Sunday nights. I have also requested that we be allowed to invite him to the park or the zoo when we go on outings to get the two of them more acquainted. I think it will bring much more peace into their relationship if he is interactive with us ALL! I will update when I know more on that!

Blessings on your MONDAY!!!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Little Bunny Fu Fu

My sister came up to drop my niece Jessica off for a Spring Break visit and I stole a couple minutes with her new baby girl Devyn. Oh I had ever so much fun! she is so precious!

Hope you enjoy too!






It was a hectic shoot! The boys AND J were home!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Final Hearing... UPDATE!

In case you're wondering!!! :) An extension has been granted! We will have him for at least another 6 months! *Big fat cheesy grin*

I cannot tell you how much I felt wrapped in a blanket of prayers this morning. THANK YOU ALL!!! I was (almost completely) peaceful and was greeted with a smiling bio father and a nervous bio mother.

I stood across the entry way from them and listened to the case in session. As I stood there our caseworker came up to me and pulled me outside and explained that a pending charge against the father (preventing him from getting his son back) had been dropped! I was delighted and teary eyed! THANK YOU JESUS! I had been praying for all doors to be opened that would allow Moe to return home if that is where he belongs. I have felt for a long time that he more than likely would return home in the long run but did not feel that now was the appropriate timing. I knew there were circumstances that would have to be "reversed" in order for the most appropriate parent to have their son. I am seeing the MIRACLES in justice happen!

I know that the mother can do it. I just don't believe that she has enough confidence in herself to be a stable and reliable parent at this time. She is nervous around him and that is understandable, she is supervised for visits and he cries uncontrollably when he sees her. He is a nervous wreck as well due to feeding off of her instability and nervousness. So you can sense the frustration.

I have watched this case from the very beginning and feel that the father has made a HUGE turn-around. I feel that he has gotten his act together and is willing to assume responsibility for his son. I have told him that I am willing to do whatever I can to help him out. "I will babysit while you work (FREE of charge of course). Whatever you need!" I believe in him that much!

After the judge granted the extension and it was reported that the previous charges had been dropped against him a heavy weight lifted from his shoulders and a never ending smile appeared in his actions. I was so excited for him. I met with his family outside and their attorney and we all exchanged hugs and smiles and words of encouragement!!! It was a great day!

I am sad to report that the mother was less than enthused. She seemed real heart broken and on the verge of unstoppable tears! My heart truly breaks for her. Honestly it does. She has the ability to see her son but does not make an effort to contact the caseworker to set up visits, so she is missing out on a lot! When he does visit her he has a vague memory of who she is but cries because he knows the only security (me) is leaving him here with this "stranger"! It hurts to see this happen to the both of them but it has gone so long between visits that he is confused. His dad's visits are getting better.

So please be praying for them as well as us.

Them:
* Continue to build a loving home for their son.
*Be captured by the love of Christ (I am hoping I am reflecting enough that they will catch on)
*Pray that all seeds planted by my words or acts of service would take root and God would transform them for the best!
*contentment of the situation for where it is now. That they would continue to strive for the final goal!


Us:
*That we would have wisdom in conveying the love of Christ with them. PERFECT TIMING, to bring in the harvest, if you will!
*That we would have continued peace in the transition of Moe back home.
*Our hearts would be strengthened and matured in this season of life to radiate a newness in our spirits.
*Whatever God's will for Moe's life would be perfected by none other than his CREATOR!

Thank you all for your love and support! God bless you all!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Final Hearing!!!

If you think about it please be in prayer for us tomorrow as it is Moe's final hearing. I am expecting an extension to be filed BUT I have been told to prepare for the worst... HIS REMOVAL! I have been told good things but then I am usually told the opposite in just days. SO who, but God, knows what is going to happen tomorrow!

I am asking for your prayers that it would be a smooth day and no UNEXPECTED rulings! The mother is not ready to have him back but that's what we were told recently was going to happen. Then they told us it would not be happening after all. THEN we were told again a few days ago that nobody really knows what is going to happen!!! WHAT!

I know God is in the midst of this chaos and I know that HIS plans for Moe will rise above all others! I just want to know our Moe is safe and out of danger!!!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Cardboard confessions

I love seeing these cardboard confessions! I cry nonstop every time I watch them. I have seen another one and I cannot remember where exactly just that it was from you tube. It will humble your spirit and bring you back to the Face of God with THANKFULNESS!

My cardboard confession would look something like this:

Can't carry children full term


Foster/adoptive mother to many (more to come)!

(and/or)

Lost, broken, destroyed, Bondage!


My Chains are GONE, I've been set FREE!!!

What is/are your cardboard confessions?

http://www.rhchurch.org/pages/cardboard-testimonies/

Thursday, March 12, 2009

The updated photos...



The last one was good but it wasn't great, even this the focus is out of whack but whatever... I could work on it more but it is just for fun!!! I still have one that I am holding out on. I was afraid to post it but it is way too cute to withhold any longer! If it is inappropriate in your eyes please feel free to comment and I will remove it. Other than that I know I have some baby hiney lover friends out there that have to share in this joy with me! =)

After the encouragement of a friend I thought that the first picture deserved some attention and editing. Then took me on to the next picture. I had this photo from the other day while working on potty training Bear. I came into the living room and found him wearing his daddy's other boots! It is funny that he loves wearing his Daddy's boots!!! Too cute...especially naked. Now if we can just keep him from any accidents while wearing the boots!


The End

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

His Daddy's Boots!


I love this boy!!! And his fixation with his daddy's boots!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Flyiing SOLO!










He's growing up for sure!!!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Party central...

I am so terrible at planning parties. I love making food and planning that part but the guest list overwhelms me and drives me nuts trying to figure out what to do. I am not much of a games person. I like them okay but I hate, LOATHE being the center of attention so I really detest planning and heading up games and such.

I am under the gun right now... Moe's B.day is Wed. His party will be on the 14th ( I think) I haven't even sent out invites or anything yet. I want to do it at a park but don't know if you have to pay or reserve anything... and am I too late? Uggghhhh overwhelming!!! I would also like to do it at the zoo that way we could be there and much stuff for them to all do. But is that a possibility? I have to call around tomorrow and find this stuff out... then send out evites :). I really don't like those either (it just seems a bit impersonal) buuuuut when you have to wait for the last minute then evites it is!

Then I am hosting a Sip-N-See for my sister and her new baby girl Devyn on March 21st. I think that one is a little easier seeing that it is for my sister and the baby will be the main attention getter! I am out of the woods there! whew! It is all on her... I am just providing the place and fun foods.

Menu so far is:

sausage quiche
spinach pinwheels
veggie tray/ dip
fruit tray/ dip
cake/ desserts
mini blueberry muffins
punch; tea; water

I think it will just be a kind of hang out time for everyone to get to meet Devyn and mingle.

Is that just nuts??? Any advice is WAY WELCOME!!! AGAIN I AM SO NOT A PLANNER!!! If someone wants to plan away feel free and tell us where to go.. hahaha I will bring the food!

No really though; please help!!!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

And it begins..... here is one of many!

My boy IS ALL BOY!!!

He was being real sneaky and testing his boundaries and grabbed the old IRON iron from in front of a door. The really old irons that you had to put on the coals; we use them as door stops in different locations. Apparently he fell with it and it hit hard enough to indent his forehead and leave a huge gash. I could see white once I dabbed blood away for the 50th time. It was spurting out, okay it was dripping profusely! He screamed at the initial injury and then when I would try and apply pressure.

I was so scared I thought I was going to have to take him to the ER; it was just Bear, Moe and me. I just watched to make sure it started swelling outward and then no black eyes or ears. I didn't let him go to bed for his down time. He stayed in a P-n-P in the living room so I could monitor him. I called a lady over from next door whom is a CNA. And she agreed with me that it didn't look as though it needed a stitch at the ER. Talk about your stomach jumping into your throat!

He seems to be doing great now. I put a butterfly suture on it and covered it with neosporin and a bandaid. He doesn't even know it's there anymore.

I am sure this is only the first of MANY injuries that are to take place in this daring little man's life!


Friday, March 6, 2009

Never ending Adoption!

We called our attorney yesterday to find out what our remaining balance is that will be due at the time of adoption so we can continue saving for that day. Mind you we are thinking that it is going to be the middle of this month at the latest.

He was busy when we called and so we left a message for him to call back. Later last night he calls me and informs me of the remaining balance (or an approximation of) and then goes on to tell me that we are almost done. "Once the termination order comes in and is filed then we will wait the 30 days and then we can set a date".

WHAT!!!! 30 DAYS!!!! AND THEN SET A DATE!!!

Oh that is enough ! I cannot understand So many things about the "justice" system right now! What is the hold up REALLY!!! There have been no strings from day one! He has been legally"free" now for going on 5 months. NOBODY else has been involved in his life! I am STUNNED to say the LEAST!

I have to take this too to the foot of the cross and lay it before my Father's feet. FOR HE knows the plans HE has for US! He has ordained Bear's little life from day one. He knows what is to happen ALL ALONG the journey! He has never once forsaken us nor has HE led us astray!

I sure do wish He'd take off these stinkin' blinders though!

Please be praying for peace and wisdom in these days (months, years, decades.... you know whatever!!! :)) to come! Mainly patience for me!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

And again... WE PRAISE YOU!

The days have been kind of filled with turmoil for us in the home. Moe's departure nearing has been making me real uneasy and I just know something is not right. There are circumstances that make little red flags of warning go off all over in my heart. I love his family, I truly want for him to be reunified IF... IF they can get it together. I didn't feel like this is the time. But CPS was moving forward with reunification. I was screaming at the top of my lungs with questions and "nobody really knew the answers." J and I were to the point of going above and beyond the face level workers and getting to someone we KNEW could make a difference. We have been praying this whole time about what to do and whether or not it is God's intentions for him to return and if not then to PLEASE stop the proceedings. If he needs to be here with us then let it be so.

Again hear me out... If I didn't have any gut feelings about this not being right I would have no problems letting go. But SOMETHING was eating at my heart! I kept asking questions, my CPS caseworker even had issues with the plan but her hands were basically tied as well for having to do what her supervisor tells her to do.

Today after Moe had a visit with his mom we were given some information that changes the outlook quite a bit. We are still in prayer but as it seems he could be staying a bit longer with us! THANK YOU JESUS!

Thank you ALL for your prayers...

"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever."

Psalm 23:6

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

finished Jammies

I finished the PJ's finally. I actually finished them while I was in the middle of creating my saga so I didn't want to interrupt my already limited time with my fun announcement!

Here they are (the set)! I have yet to do the others but I forgot one MINOR detail! I used the bigger size for the pattern thinking that Moe was right behind Bear in size (which is truthfully the case buuuuut....) baby patterns run HUGE! Just an FYI! Adult sizes run small and infant/toddler run big. hmmmm how about that! anyhoo without further ado... the jammies.


a


And here is our new door theme for the season (also done before V.day). I am about to have to change it again seeing that it is a spring fling now. Although if I just take the hearts off then it works for whatever. There has been a few scrapes and scratches here and there. I think there may have even been a crawl by chewing on an arm or two...many limbs are almost transparent now. Good thing the paint is non-toxic.


Monday, March 2, 2009

Bear & Moe updates

Sorry I have not updated much on the boys! I have been really busy with those little guys. They have been sick, I have been sick and we have just been plain busy! The visits alone take up some time that you don't really have to spare but then the paperwork that has to be filled out daily and sometimes hourly is another chunk of time that just falls off and goes missing in this whirlwind daily commotion.

Bear is getting HUGE! I think he is starting to taper off in the VERY LARGE dept. but he is still growing FAST! He runs everywhere now when he is not climbing something, stationary or not (sorry Duke!) He loves to build forts with us and hide out in them (while bubby tears it down around him...little brothers... gotta love'em). He is a big time OUTDOORSMAN! If anyone heads for the door he grabs his keys and he's getting in your way to beat you to the punchline! We have been enjoying the nice weather lately. It has been in the mid to upper 70's and sunshiny! He has learned to throw balls (and whatever else is in his hands...nice move dad!) WE are working on distinguishing between good and bads to throw and when!

He can talk up a storm. Most things he will repeat that you say and some things he will just start saying. He can sign many different things and will let you know what he wants pretty promptly. He is his brother's best friend. Where there is one the other too will be! He likes to pretend Moe is a pony and tries to ride on his back quite frequently while Moe lies on the ground LAUGHING!!! I love it!

He has caught on to what we do when we leave. If someone is leaving he gets his shoes and grabs a pink fluffy toy purse (don't judge! :)) and his keys and is running for the door saying "bye-bye".

He has two wooden peg animal puzzles that he can name off the animals and make their sound as well as place the correct animal in the correct hole. He even goes as far as to try and switch out the animals from one puzzle to the other. Like there is a kitten on both puzzles... They are made from two different companies so they look different but he knows they are kitties and will trade out their places saying "mmmeeeeew" as he does it.

He has learned to drive his Jeep 4X4 "power wheels". It is hysterical. I think J took video of it but I think he says their names in it so I cannot post it... rough. I will have to get one that is blog friendly and post it so you all can have a laugh too. He looks backwards and just keeps driving, running over EVERYTHING! We take it outside during the day so he can drive uncautioned. Usually Moe likes crawling right behind him which is all fun-n-games until Bear decides to flip it in reverse and heads straight for his quick-but-not-that-quick little target of a brother! OR DUKE... whichever is closest!

Yesterday we were watching a movie and he wandered into the room where the movie was playing. There was a man playing his guitar and singing an old hymn (so beautiful) and Bear grabs the shoulder part of his sleeve and starts strumming his tummy with the other hand. ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! J and I both looked at eachother in complete amazement! J plays guitar but WOW! He also loves to play the piano. I will have to get an edited video to let you hear him play! AMAZING!

He prays with us by clasping his little hands as we say "let's bless it" and at the end will look around and smile from ear to ear and say "maymen". He loves to play pat-a-cake and roll it and roll it and roll it..... He loves singing and dancing to worship music. We play worship music and when he hears it he comes in clapping his little hands and jumping and spinning! OH LORD LET HIM HAVE A HEART THAT PRAISES YOU IN EVERYTHING!!!

As of now we still do not have Bear adopted. We are waiting on a termination order to be filled out and signed by all the impo's (my new word for all the important people involved!) then from there the adoption agency as well as the foster care agency will come out and do the final placement. From that point on our monthly reimbursement will end and it is all us flying solo. At that time our attorney will set a date with the judge to have the adoption consummated. ON THAT DAY IT WILL BE FINAL!!! And we will party like it is 1999! (minus the stuff that I partied with back then!!!... Remember I am reformed now!)

J and I talked about that today... what he thought we would do when the adoption is finalized. We discussed several different options. The one I think will be pretty concrete is on the day of we will go out and celebrate just us as a FAMILY and then we will plan for a big party (like a b.day party) inviting all of our friends and family! You all will be invited too! Just leave us a comment and it will be given to him and added to his adoption book and also placed in his little build a bear that we are having made with his adoption papers and our letters and prayers inside! Thanks for being part of our lives and praying to see this day come to completion! It has been a rocky road and I never knew what God had in store but I LOVE HIS plans... don't you!

WE will announce it as it unfolds BELIEVE ME!!!

As for our sweet, sweet Moe. We have seen him come so far in the past 2 almost 3 months. He can stand alone for 10 seconds tops. He loves to do whatever bubby is doing. He can crawl like nobody's business... he's quick, very quick! He is very comical. He makes us laugh on a daily basis... numerous times throughout the day. He has a very dashing grin and can melt your heart with a bat of his big brown eyes! He is precious in many ways!

He can sign "Please, all-done, and more". He also prays with us by clasping his little hands as we say "let's bless it". When the prayer is over he screaches in delight "Aaheeem" (we have come to understand this as "AMEN" :)). So precious!

He is now saying Uh-oh and momma and da-da. When we are working with words for Bear he often chimes in with sounds that often times resemble exactly what we are saying! He is very bright and catches on super quick! He loves to play pat-a-cake. He claps his little hands and rolls 'em up, and rolls and rolls, and rolls... I think that is his favorite part, hmmmm just like Bubby.

He is completely off the bottle and has been for the past full month. It was a very smooth transition. He LOVES to eat all three meals just as we do. I cut it up into small bites and place his plate on his tray and in no time flat it is GONE! He can out eat any of us on any given day! AMAZING! He has gained so much weight since he has been here. It is a healthy weight and everyone is amazed at how much better he looks now. He is definitely taller than Bear and very noticeable when standing side by side!

His plan is coming to an end we do fear. His final court date is set for the 17th of this month. We are told that he could be leaving THAT day. I was torn! I know God sees all and knows what is to happen to Moe but my heart hates letting go of him again! I am in deep prayer for the mother (whom will be getting him back possibly) that she will have great patience as he transitions back into a different life, he can be VERY irritable! He is just now beginning to trust us again, laying his head on our shoulders and letting us comfort and console him, rock him and sing to him; it just breaks my heart to know that he is about to be ripped from security again and who knows if his schedule will be consistent like he needs. It is a good thing we believe in schedules around here. The children that will be coming in and out of our home in the future are going to thrive off of this schedule. It has helped Moe know security tremendously. I cannot think of the things that are not. I have to think of the things that God IS! HE IS GOOD! HE will take care of our MOE, wherever he is!

I am sure I am leaving some things out but I have got to stop because this list could go on all night long! I will post video's as I get them done.

Thank you all for all your prayers and support! We love you all and you do make a huge difference!

Our stylish Bear!


The boys at the zoo playing in the "Beaver den" looking at the crocodile.


Playing in the TeePees by the buffalo.


side by side... as always



Playing chase with daddy in the fort... Bubby's close on his trail!..."Oh look a ball!"


Playing on the couch now that all the cushions are piled on the floor.


Mommy lovin'


Our handsome little man.. playing in the fort!


EVERYONE'S source of entertainment in the mornings!!! (notice J in the owl tunnel entrance)