I want to move! Although I think Michigan is pretty, it is not where I want to live. I think the winters are WAY too hard for Lil Princess. She can't walk on the snowy, frozen ground unaided...it's hard enough for her to walk on dry, level ground!!! I don't like to be cold. I don't mind snow, but unfortunately, cold seems to be partnered with snow, so whatcha gonna do? I don't like how gloomy it is here. Denver averages over 300 days of sunshine annually. I got use to that very quickly! I don't know the number of days of sunshine Michigan averages, but I'm thinking if I did know, it would be depressing.
The only positive about living here is that we live near the girls' extended family. I don't mean to minimize that, because that is important. So important, in fact, that we moved back here from Colorado for that very reason. But, as the girls get older and don't need to spend so much time with their extended family members, I would love to move them south...I'm not particularly picky, but since my BFF lives in TN, that would work nicely! :)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Busy, busy, busy and a dress that doesn't fit well
I have so much going on right now that my head is spinning. Fortunately I'm not stressed about it, but I do wish I could get my thoughts straight and start making some headway!
On a completely different note, I have been 'inspired' to lose some weight. The weird part of that is that I am on the low end of "normal" yet it sure doesn't feel that way. I am not one to care much about the number on the scale and more concerned with how my clothes fit. I hate to shop as it is, so to have to buy more clothes because I've gained weight is out of the picture!
About a month ago (maybe it was longer than that?!?!) I got fitted for my dress for my sisters wedding. The 'professional' told me that I "easily" fit into the smaller dress...I begged to differ. She assured me that I would be fine. I have NOT gained weight in a month, but I promise you this...that dress DOES. NOT. FIT. GOOD. It is very pretty, but very tight. So, I've decided that rather than drop another $180 on another dress, I will drop 10 lbs instead. I know I can I just don't want to. I like eating junk food too much to give it up. But, alas, I do not have a choice until Sept. 27...at which time I will pick up where I left off in the junk food eating area! :)
On a completely different note, I have been 'inspired' to lose some weight. The weird part of that is that I am on the low end of "normal" yet it sure doesn't feel that way. I am not one to care much about the number on the scale and more concerned with how my clothes fit. I hate to shop as it is, so to have to buy more clothes because I've gained weight is out of the picture!
About a month ago (maybe it was longer than that?!?!) I got fitted for my dress for my sisters wedding. The 'professional' told me that I "easily" fit into the smaller dress...I begged to differ. She assured me that I would be fine. I have NOT gained weight in a month, but I promise you this...that dress DOES. NOT. FIT. GOOD. It is very pretty, but very tight. So, I've decided that rather than drop another $180 on another dress, I will drop 10 lbs instead. I know I can I just don't want to. I like eating junk food too much to give it up. But, alas, I do not have a choice until Sept. 27...at which time I will pick up where I left off in the junk food eating area! :)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Potty Training
This post is not exactly for the 2 people that are still reading this blog but for my own documentation.
Miya is officially potty training. She started about a week ago. She is successful 99.9% of the time, but only if she is naked. Today we went to the store and picked out special underpants, but she refusees to wear them. She picked out Minnie Mouse underpants. She was excited in the store, but now that we are home, NOT. SO. MUCH.
I plan to extinguish the use of diapers from morning til night starting the beginning of next week. The only time she will have a diaper on is during the night. Is my plan too lofty? Time will tell!
Miya is officially potty training. She started about a week ago. She is successful 99.9% of the time, but only if she is naked. Today we went to the store and picked out special underpants, but she refusees to wear them. She picked out Minnie Mouse underpants. She was excited in the store, but now that we are home, NOT. SO. MUCH.
I plan to extinguish the use of diapers from morning til night starting the beginning of next week. The only time she will have a diaper on is during the night. Is my plan too lofty? Time will tell!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Fundraising for National Kidney Foundation Walk-a-Thon
Dear Friends:
I ask for a few moments of your time to read this note depicting how organ donation has personally affected me and my family.
My mom is from a large family. She is one of ten children. One of her younger brothers, my Uncle Tom, was diagnosed with Kidney Disease when he was very young. He began dialysis when he was a teen. By Gods grace he was a candidate for a kidney transplant. Sadly as one family suffered the loss of a loved one, my uncle had the chance at life again. He received his first transplant but it was without success. His body rejected it. Again, by Gods grace, he was able to receive a second transplant, but much to the eveyone's dismay, his body again rejected the kidney. Finally, after years passed he was ready to try a third time for a transplant. This time was different.
With changes in medicine came the news that my mom would be able to donate her kidney to her brother. After testing to verify she was a match they went ahead and did the transplant. For the first time in many, many, many years my Uncle Tom was able to walk out of the hospital with a working kidney and without the need for dialysis. That transplant took place in May of 1991. As is all too common for people who need dialysis, Toms heart had worked too hard for too long and just under 3 years after the successful transplant a heart attack took his life. If you ask my mom today if she would have done anything different knowing the outcome she would smile and say, "no way!" Those 3 years were the best 3 years of Tom's life since becoming ill and she would never take that back for even a moment.
So, why am I telling you all of this? Last year my mom started Team Thomas. A team established to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation. We had a good turnout for the walk and raised a good amount of money. Amazingly it is that time of year again. On May 17th I will be walking as a part of Team Thomas. I am asking for your support.
There are three ways you can help:
1) If you haven't already done so, please consider becoming an organ donor. If you do choose to donate your organs, please share that information with your loved ones and also register with your state (if it is required).
2) If you live in or around the Muskegon area and would like to join Team Thomas for a lovely walk around Pere Marquette, let me know! I can get you a form and you can start raising funds too. I would love to have you there.
3) If you are able to do so, please consider financially supporting me. Every $1 counts. If every person who reads this donated even just $5, I would easily meet my goal of $500. You can donate directly on the National Kidney Foundation website. If you would prefer to send me a check, let me know and I will provide you with my address.
Here are the steps to do so:
1) http://walk.kidney.org
2) Click on SUPPORT A WALKER
3) Search by my first and last name in Michigan (email me or leave a comment if you have problems)
4) Click TEAM THOMAS
5) Click SPONSOR ME or JOIN MY TEAM
the rest should be self explanatory.
Thank you so much for taking time to read this and for your consideration in joining the team or sponsoring me on my walk.
I ask for a few moments of your time to read this note depicting how organ donation has personally affected me and my family.
My mom is from a large family. She is one of ten children. One of her younger brothers, my Uncle Tom, was diagnosed with Kidney Disease when he was very young. He began dialysis when he was a teen. By Gods grace he was a candidate for a kidney transplant. Sadly as one family suffered the loss of a loved one, my uncle had the chance at life again. He received his first transplant but it was without success. His body rejected it. Again, by Gods grace, he was able to receive a second transplant, but much to the eveyone's dismay, his body again rejected the kidney. Finally, after years passed he was ready to try a third time for a transplant. This time was different.
With changes in medicine came the news that my mom would be able to donate her kidney to her brother. After testing to verify she was a match they went ahead and did the transplant. For the first time in many, many, many years my Uncle Tom was able to walk out of the hospital with a working kidney and without the need for dialysis. That transplant took place in May of 1991. As is all too common for people who need dialysis, Toms heart had worked too hard for too long and just under 3 years after the successful transplant a heart attack took his life. If you ask my mom today if she would have done anything different knowing the outcome she would smile and say, "no way!" Those 3 years were the best 3 years of Tom's life since becoming ill and she would never take that back for even a moment.
So, why am I telling you all of this? Last year my mom started Team Thomas. A team established to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation. We had a good turnout for the walk and raised a good amount of money. Amazingly it is that time of year again. On May 17th I will be walking as a part of Team Thomas. I am asking for your support.
There are three ways you can help:
1) If you haven't already done so, please consider becoming an organ donor. If you do choose to donate your organs, please share that information with your loved ones and also register with your state (if it is required).
2) If you live in or around the Muskegon area and would like to join Team Thomas for a lovely walk around Pere Marquette, let me know! I can get you a form and you can start raising funds too. I would love to have you there.
3) If you are able to do so, please consider financially supporting me. Every $1 counts. If every person who reads this donated even just $5, I would easily meet my goal of $500. You can donate directly on the National Kidney Foundation website. If you would prefer to send me a check, let me know and I will provide you with my address.
Here are the steps to do so:
1) http://walk.kidney.org
2) Click on SUPPORT A WALKER
3) Search by my first and last name in Michigan (email me or leave a comment if you have problems)
4) Click TEAM THOMAS
5) Click SPONSOR ME or JOIN MY TEAM
the rest should be self explanatory.
Thank you so much for taking time to read this and for your consideration in joining the team or sponsoring me on my walk.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Not sure what else to say...
We have been consumed with the yuckies around our household for so long that I feel like everything else has been put on hold. As a result, I really don't have a lot to say. I guess for entertainments sake, I'll ramble on for a bit and see what happens.
Lil Bug is doing well. She still really enjoys school. She will be going into Young 5's next year rather than Kindergarten. I think she will have a better opportunity for success at the Young 5's level since she will have to work extra hard to physically keep up. Also, I like that she will have two more school years before she will go full days. I'm hoping that by the time she goes to 1st grade she will not need to be cathed any longer. However, if she does, I'm thinking she will be able to learn to do it herself and I won't have to allow others to do it for her.
She has done amazingly well on the two road trips we've taken in the past month. She is so content with just paper and markers. Seriously, you can spend hours drawing and writing. She is her daddy's daughter! I often times find myself thinking about her future. What will she be when she grows up? With her physical limitations, she does have some limitations on her career choices, but for the most part she can do anything she wants. She says she wants to deliver babies for a living. But, as I watch her write and draw and create stuff, I wonder if she will be more in the language and arts field. Time will tell. The awesome thing is that God already knows what she will do.
Lil Princess is finally feeling better. The only evidence of a her long fight with the nasties is an occasional cough. She is still being retrained to sleep through the night. For several weeks she was up coughing or vomiting or both that she thinks it is perfectly alright to wake up to drink or play at 2am. We're working on nipping that one. Mommy likes her sleep too much!! :)
I started taking Princess to music classes a couple weeks back. She loves them, of course. She is my musical girl! She loves to sing and dance. It is awesome! She really does her own thing while at the music class, but she is listening to what is going on because she will try to sing the songs along with Ms. J.
A couple months back The Designer (along with everyone at his firm) was told that changes would be coming around the beginning to middle of May. Some possibilities include shortened work weeks or pay cuts. Since he is salaried, I'm not sure how all of this works, but I'm guessing we'll know soon enough.
As a result of the above possible changes for the Designers job, I accepted a summer class. I do not normally teach summers because Michigan summers are way too short and who wants to work if you play with the kids? But, after prayer and discussion we decided that if I had the opportunity to pick up a class, I should. So I will be teaching the 2nd session, which doesn't begin until the end of June and goes until the beginning of August. It will be 2 nights a week. It will go fast and bring in some extra money, so all is well.
Recently I learned about some opportunities at the college. The Designer and I are in prayer and discussion about it. I'll share more later.
My etsy shop has slowed down a bit, but that is partly my own fault. I haven't been sewing much with everyone sick so I haven't added new product to my shop in a while. I have a few craft fairs coming up this summer. One of them is huge. It is two days and brings in between 75,000 - 100,000 shoppers. It is tied to a HUGE festival that draws tourists from hundreds of miles away. I have never done this show before so I have no idea what to expect, but I'm hoping it brings lots and lots of sales!!! I have another good size show just two weeks after that. Hopefully I can clear out my sewing room. Due to law changes I'm not sure if I'll continue with my shop after the summer. Time will tell.
Well there it is, my life in a nutshell. Exciting, right? LOL Hopefully the next time I write I'll have something substantial and attention grabbing.
Lil Bug is doing well. She still really enjoys school. She will be going into Young 5's next year rather than Kindergarten. I think she will have a better opportunity for success at the Young 5's level since she will have to work extra hard to physically keep up. Also, I like that she will have two more school years before she will go full days. I'm hoping that by the time she goes to 1st grade she will not need to be cathed any longer. However, if she does, I'm thinking she will be able to learn to do it herself and I won't have to allow others to do it for her.
She has done amazingly well on the two road trips we've taken in the past month. She is so content with just paper and markers. Seriously, you can spend hours drawing and writing. She is her daddy's daughter! I often times find myself thinking about her future. What will she be when she grows up? With her physical limitations, she does have some limitations on her career choices, but for the most part she can do anything she wants. She says she wants to deliver babies for a living. But, as I watch her write and draw and create stuff, I wonder if she will be more in the language and arts field. Time will tell. The awesome thing is that God already knows what she will do.
Lil Princess is finally feeling better. The only evidence of a her long fight with the nasties is an occasional cough. She is still being retrained to sleep through the night. For several weeks she was up coughing or vomiting or both that she thinks it is perfectly alright to wake up to drink or play at 2am. We're working on nipping that one. Mommy likes her sleep too much!! :)
I started taking Princess to music classes a couple weeks back. She loves them, of course. She is my musical girl! She loves to sing and dance. It is awesome! She really does her own thing while at the music class, but she is listening to what is going on because she will try to sing the songs along with Ms. J.
A couple months back The Designer (along with everyone at his firm) was told that changes would be coming around the beginning to middle of May. Some possibilities include shortened work weeks or pay cuts. Since he is salaried, I'm not sure how all of this works, but I'm guessing we'll know soon enough.
As a result of the above possible changes for the Designers job, I accepted a summer class. I do not normally teach summers because Michigan summers are way too short and who wants to work if you play with the kids? But, after prayer and discussion we decided that if I had the opportunity to pick up a class, I should. So I will be teaching the 2nd session, which doesn't begin until the end of June and goes until the beginning of August. It will be 2 nights a week. It will go fast and bring in some extra money, so all is well.
Recently I learned about some opportunities at the college. The Designer and I are in prayer and discussion about it. I'll share more later.
My etsy shop has slowed down a bit, but that is partly my own fault. I haven't been sewing much with everyone sick so I haven't added new product to my shop in a while. I have a few craft fairs coming up this summer. One of them is huge. It is two days and brings in between 75,000 - 100,000 shoppers. It is tied to a HUGE festival that draws tourists from hundreds of miles away. I have never done this show before so I have no idea what to expect, but I'm hoping it brings lots and lots of sales!!! I have another good size show just two weeks after that. Hopefully I can clear out my sewing room. Due to law changes I'm not sure if I'll continue with my shop after the summer. Time will tell.
Well there it is, my life in a nutshell. Exciting, right? LOL Hopefully the next time I write I'll have something substantial and attention grabbing.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Lil Princess NEEDS to get better...RIGHT. NOW.
Lil Princess has been sick ALL. WINTER. LONG. with one thing after another. I just don't understand why?? She has had multiple ear infections. Toss in a few eye infections. Lets not forget two, maybe three upper respiratory infections.
At this very moment she is recovering from a double ear infection, pneumonia and just for good measure a stomach virus that has had her wretching for the past day-and-a-half. She won't eat. She can't get comfortable therefore there is little sleeping for her. Of course she cries a lot...the poor baby is in pain. She also wants to be held 24/7...who wouldn't?!?! Her pneumonia seems to have gotten worse, not better in the past 24 hours. I am assuming that is because she didn't keep down any of her antibiotics yesterday.
I feel so sad for Princess. I just want her to be healthy. I want her to run and laugh and play like she does when she is healthy. I want her to be pain free.
(The rest of this blogpost is more for my own records of what transpired in the past week so I have it documented in case I need it.)
Last week Wednesday night I brought her to the medi-center (the 3rd time in 6 weeks) to learn that she had her 3rd ear infection in 6 weeks and an upper respiratory infection. On Thursday I called her regular doctor (whom we have always liked alot but recently I am wondering about him a bit) and requested that we be seen since she is sick again. He said, "Kids get sick. Some kids get sick more than others. I'm not concerned about the amount of times she has been sick. We don't need to draw blood because her illnesses are all normal childhood things. (I made the suggestion thinking that perhaps there was an underlying infection that was causing all of her illnesses.) If she were sick with a kidney infection or a skin infection then I would understand your desire to draw blood looking for something more." I have asked at least three or four times to be referred to an ENT to look at tubes and he has continuosly told me that wasn't necessary because her ears clear up completely between infections unlike some children who never really get better. My thought is, "does it matter if she completely heals between infections if she is getting another one less than two weeks later again anyways?"
Thursday night Princess was in severe pain. She would trash around, wouldn't let me hold her but cried when I put her down. She arched her back in pain. She cried loud and consistently. The next morning I decided to bypass her doctor and took her straight to the ER. At first they sort of talked it down as a cold but I insisted they do some tests because something was was definitely wrong. Finally, after some tests they were able to identify that she had pneumonia and that her coughing was causing her excessive pain.
Finally, thinking we finally had an answer, we left. Only, we weren't past the worst of it. Sunday morning she started vomiting and continued throughout the day and all of last night. On top of the pneumonia and ear infection she has a stomach virus. Seriuosly?!?!
I called her pediatrician to let them know that after our talk on Thursday she was diagnosed with pneumonia and now had a stomach virus and they just said to keep giving her the antibiotics and all will be well. Yesterday she didn't even get any antiobiotics because each time I gave it to her, she vomited immediately and emptied all of her stomach contents.
GRRRRR...there probably isn't much that can be done, but I am one extremely ticked off, tired, agitated mommy!
I've been praying over her and I know God loves her even more than I do. I wonder if the Devil is just messing with us to see if we will get mad at God? We won't. Yes, we are tired. Yes, we are mad. But not at God. Just at the fact that our precious little one is still sick. I just want her better.
At this very moment she is recovering from a double ear infection, pneumonia and just for good measure a stomach virus that has had her wretching for the past day-and-a-half. She won't eat. She can't get comfortable therefore there is little sleeping for her. Of course she cries a lot...the poor baby is in pain. She also wants to be held 24/7...who wouldn't?!?! Her pneumonia seems to have gotten worse, not better in the past 24 hours. I am assuming that is because she didn't keep down any of her antibiotics yesterday.
I feel so sad for Princess. I just want her to be healthy. I want her to run and laugh and play like she does when she is healthy. I want her to be pain free.
(The rest of this blogpost is more for my own records of what transpired in the past week so I have it documented in case I need it.)
Last week Wednesday night I brought her to the medi-center (the 3rd time in 6 weeks) to learn that she had her 3rd ear infection in 6 weeks and an upper respiratory infection. On Thursday I called her regular doctor (whom we have always liked alot but recently I am wondering about him a bit) and requested that we be seen since she is sick again. He said, "Kids get sick. Some kids get sick more than others. I'm not concerned about the amount of times she has been sick. We don't need to draw blood because her illnesses are all normal childhood things. (I made the suggestion thinking that perhaps there was an underlying infection that was causing all of her illnesses.) If she were sick with a kidney infection or a skin infection then I would understand your desire to draw blood looking for something more." I have asked at least three or four times to be referred to an ENT to look at tubes and he has continuosly told me that wasn't necessary because her ears clear up completely between infections unlike some children who never really get better. My thought is, "does it matter if she completely heals between infections if she is getting another one less than two weeks later again anyways?"
Thursday night Princess was in severe pain. She would trash around, wouldn't let me hold her but cried when I put her down. She arched her back in pain. She cried loud and consistently. The next morning I decided to bypass her doctor and took her straight to the ER. At first they sort of talked it down as a cold but I insisted they do some tests because something was was definitely wrong. Finally, after some tests they were able to identify that she had pneumonia and that her coughing was causing her excessive pain.
Finally, thinking we finally had an answer, we left. Only, we weren't past the worst of it. Sunday morning she started vomiting and continued throughout the day and all of last night. On top of the pneumonia and ear infection she has a stomach virus. Seriuosly?!?!
I called her pediatrician to let them know that after our talk on Thursday she was diagnosed with pneumonia and now had a stomach virus and they just said to keep giving her the antibiotics and all will be well. Yesterday she didn't even get any antiobiotics because each time I gave it to her, she vomited immediately and emptied all of her stomach contents.
GRRRRR...there probably isn't much that can be done, but I am one extremely ticked off, tired, agitated mommy!
I've been praying over her and I know God loves her even more than I do. I wonder if the Devil is just messing with us to see if we will get mad at God? We won't. Yes, we are tired. Yes, we are mad. But not at God. Just at the fact that our precious little one is still sick. I just want her better.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Grocery Express
One of my biggest dislikes in life is shopping...for anything. Seriously! I don't like it. It seems like a waste of money and even more importantly, of time. Not to mention that I have to listen to one or two little girls saying, "I want that! I want that!" Which is a petpeeve of mine.
Yesterday I decided to do something about it. I decided to use our grocery stores' Express option. You go online, order the food you want, the quantity, etc. and then you schedule a pick up time. Someone else does your shopping and meets you at your car at your designated time to put it in your trunk. I had the sales flier out and planned my meals based on that then did my shopping online. It was easy and fast.
How wonderful is that?
And, the best part is....I won't buy a bunch of stuff I don't need because I won't be wandering aimlessly throughout the store just happening upon every junkfood item or every sale item and mindlessly putting it in my cart regardless of the need.
I tried it and I like it. I'll be doing it again in the future. :) Does that make me lazy or smart? lol
Yesterday I decided to do something about it. I decided to use our grocery stores' Express option. You go online, order the food you want, the quantity, etc. and then you schedule a pick up time. Someone else does your shopping and meets you at your car at your designated time to put it in your trunk. I had the sales flier out and planned my meals based on that then did my shopping online. It was easy and fast.
How wonderful is that?
And, the best part is....I won't buy a bunch of stuff I don't need because I won't be wandering aimlessly throughout the store just happening upon every junkfood item or every sale item and mindlessly putting it in my cart regardless of the need.
I tried it and I like it. I'll be doing it again in the future. :) Does that make me lazy or smart? lol
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Salvation, Part Deux
I wanted to share more of the story of Lil Bugs salvation last week, but I didn't have time to type more at that moment and then we were without internet for a few days.
Here are the details.
Lil Bug is a very spiritual being. She loves to read the Bible and talk about Jesus and Heaven and anything else she can think of to talk about. She loves going to Sunday school.
I have spoken with her several times about salvation and everytime I tell her that when she is ready, her daddy or I would love to pray with her to ask Jesus into her heart. We talked about what that means...what she is being saved from...the importance of it, etc. Every single time she always says, "Bug mom! He already lives in my heart!" Being that I want to make sure she is not missing an important step, I continue to discuss the details of salvation with her.
Last Thursday she was in bed and we were getting ready to pray. I always ask her to think about her day and identify things that she should thank God for. We discuss those things. Then I ask her to think about her day and identify things she needs to seek forgiveness for. We discuss those things. Then we pray for her family members.
After discussing all these things she said she was ready to pray and ask Jesus to be her Savior. We prayed together and she was full of joy as she made it official.
Immediately after we finished praying she said, "Mommy, I need to pray and ask God to forgive me for my sin. I didn't listen to you at lunch and first I need to ask God to forgive me and then I need to ask you to forgive me so don't leave while I pray, k?" All smiles, I said, "of course!" and listened as she prayed. When she finished she apologized for being a stinker at lunch (several hours earlier) and, of course, I forgave her.
She is growing up so fast. I've had a lot of prayers pertaining to my Lil Bug since before she was born, but the one thing that I have prayed more than anything else (even her healing!) is that she would find the Lord at an early age and live out her days according to His plan. Thank you, God, for answering my prayers once again.
My prayers still continue for Lil Princess. I know she will have a great example to learn from in her big sister.
Here are the details.
Lil Bug is a very spiritual being. She loves to read the Bible and talk about Jesus and Heaven and anything else she can think of to talk about. She loves going to Sunday school.
I have spoken with her several times about salvation and everytime I tell her that when she is ready, her daddy or I would love to pray with her to ask Jesus into her heart. We talked about what that means...what she is being saved from...the importance of it, etc. Every single time she always says, "Bug mom! He already lives in my heart!" Being that I want to make sure she is not missing an important step, I continue to discuss the details of salvation with her.
Last Thursday she was in bed and we were getting ready to pray. I always ask her to think about her day and identify things that she should thank God for. We discuss those things. Then I ask her to think about her day and identify things she needs to seek forgiveness for. We discuss those things. Then we pray for her family members.
After discussing all these things she said she was ready to pray and ask Jesus to be her Savior. We prayed together and she was full of joy as she made it official.
Immediately after we finished praying she said, "Mommy, I need to pray and ask God to forgive me for my sin. I didn't listen to you at lunch and first I need to ask God to forgive me and then I need to ask you to forgive me so don't leave while I pray, k?" All smiles, I said, "of course!" and listened as she prayed. When she finished she apologized for being a stinker at lunch (several hours earlier) and, of course, I forgave her.
She is growing up so fast. I've had a lot of prayers pertaining to my Lil Bug since before she was born, but the one thing that I have prayed more than anything else (even her healing!) is that she would find the Lord at an early age and live out her days according to His plan. Thank you, God, for answering my prayers once again.
My prayers still continue for Lil Princess. I know she will have a great example to learn from in her big sister.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Salvation
My Lil Bug accepted Jesus into her heart tonight. I am SOOOO excited!!! God is good, always!
Spring Cleaning Bug
Yep, it has hit. I'm doing the nitty gritty cleaning. Last night I hand scrubbed the kitchen and dining room floors. Today I am purging stuff from my kitchen (decor that I am tired of looking at!) and dusting off my plants and generally just cleaning the area.
Perhaps if I pretend it is Spring, spring might actually arrive?
Perhaps if I pretend it is Spring, spring might actually arrive?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wedding
Last weekend I got fitted for the dress I will be wearing in my baby sisters wedding. The colors shown are different...mine will be chocolate with a cream sash. I'm not a real fancy girl, but it could be fun to get all dressed up for a day.
Mom of 3??
As you all know I have two incredible daughters. I like the way my family looks. I always wanted 3 or 4 kids, but The Designer only wanted two and I've had peace with that.
So why now is my heart pitter-pattering a bit faster at the prospect of having a third child? Especially since the changes of it happening are a million-to-one?
Here is a little background info.
The Designer's cousin, K, has a son, W. W is 20 months old right now. He has never been in the care of K because she has addictions that have landed her in and out of rehab and prison since long before his birth. W has resided with K's grandparents (The Designers grandparents). They are both in their 70's and two of the nicest people you could ever meet. Seriously, I've never met better grandparents. But, should they be parenting their great-grandson? Grandma has bad knees and can't get down to play with W much. Although they adore him and want the best for him, they, in my opinion, might not be the best solution for him.
I've expressed concerns about attachment issues and such to my MIL (the aunt to K) and she has tried to "educate" the Grandparents some. They have always (and continue) to hope that K will get her act together and be able to parent W, but with more and more time passing, the odds of that happening seem to be slipping away.
Not long ago the Grandparents sought guardianship of W and got it. They have discussed longterm what is best for W and I know (from MIL) that The Designer and I have been brought up as potential adoptive parents for W.
I have to say that the idea excites me. The thought of having a little boy makes me smile. W is only 9 weeks older than Lil Princess, so that would pose some interesting challenges, but it is definitely doable. We have 4 bedrooms. We are already working on upsizing from my car to a minivan. I'm home during the day and could provide love to another little person.
The Designer is not so excited. Last night I mentioned to him that our names were being discussed as a possible longterm solution for this little persons' life and he said, "no way!" He likes the ratio of children to parents right now. He likes that we are comfortable and function well as a unit. He likes that we are done growing our family. I asked him to please pray about the situation, at minimum. Begged him to consider that God could have a different plan for us. Asked him to remain open to listening to God speak to BOTH of us and making it clear. He said he would, but he also said he is sure God is done growing our family.
A couple of sidenotes:
1) The red tape everyone would have to go through to make an adoption plan in this situation is intense. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say that K would be aware and have to agree or a judge would have to deem it in W's best interest. Those things alone make the chances of this fairly slim.
2) The Grandparents are VERY attached to this little boy. They love him as if they were his parents. They have parented him for the first 20 months of his life. They only way the could go through with an adoption plan would be for them to be able to really think it is in W's best interest because even though he would stay in the family (there is no way they would let him go anywhere else!) they would be removed from his day-to-day life.
So, as I mentioned, the odds are about a million-to-one, but the thought is there, in the back of my mind. I suspect that if The Designer were onboard with this idea, the odds would increase significantly because we could express to the Grandparents our interest and intentions and they would not feel like they are placing a 'burden' on us...by the way...a child is NEVER a burden for us!
So why now is my heart pitter-pattering a bit faster at the prospect of having a third child? Especially since the changes of it happening are a million-to-one?
Here is a little background info.
The Designer's cousin, K, has a son, W. W is 20 months old right now. He has never been in the care of K because she has addictions that have landed her in and out of rehab and prison since long before his birth. W has resided with K's grandparents (The Designers grandparents). They are both in their 70's and two of the nicest people you could ever meet. Seriously, I've never met better grandparents. But, should they be parenting their great-grandson? Grandma has bad knees and can't get down to play with W much. Although they adore him and want the best for him, they, in my opinion, might not be the best solution for him.
I've expressed concerns about attachment issues and such to my MIL (the aunt to K) and she has tried to "educate" the Grandparents some. They have always (and continue) to hope that K will get her act together and be able to parent W, but with more and more time passing, the odds of that happening seem to be slipping away.
Not long ago the Grandparents sought guardianship of W and got it. They have discussed longterm what is best for W and I know (from MIL) that The Designer and I have been brought up as potential adoptive parents for W.
I have to say that the idea excites me. The thought of having a little boy makes me smile. W is only 9 weeks older than Lil Princess, so that would pose some interesting challenges, but it is definitely doable. We have 4 bedrooms. We are already working on upsizing from my car to a minivan. I'm home during the day and could provide love to another little person.
The Designer is not so excited. Last night I mentioned to him that our names were being discussed as a possible longterm solution for this little persons' life and he said, "no way!" He likes the ratio of children to parents right now. He likes that we are comfortable and function well as a unit. He likes that we are done growing our family. I asked him to please pray about the situation, at minimum. Begged him to consider that God could have a different plan for us. Asked him to remain open to listening to God speak to BOTH of us and making it clear. He said he would, but he also said he is sure God is done growing our family.
A couple of sidenotes:
1) The red tape everyone would have to go through to make an adoption plan in this situation is intense. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say that K would be aware and have to agree or a judge would have to deem it in W's best interest. Those things alone make the chances of this fairly slim.
2) The Grandparents are VERY attached to this little boy. They love him as if they were his parents. They have parented him for the first 20 months of his life. They only way the could go through with an adoption plan would be for them to be able to really think it is in W's best interest because even though he would stay in the family (there is no way they would let him go anywhere else!) they would be removed from his day-to-day life.
So, as I mentioned, the odds are about a million-to-one, but the thought is there, in the back of my mind. I suspect that if The Designer were onboard with this idea, the odds would increase significantly because we could express to the Grandparents our interest and intentions and they would not feel like they are placing a 'burden' on us...by the way...a child is NEVER a burden for us!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
God approval
1 Thessalonians 2:4 Message
God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval--only God approval.
Declaration of Faith
My heavenly Father has entrusted me with the Gospel, to spread it in my circle of influence. Therefore, I do not focus my attention on pleasing men but on pleasing God.
(Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15-20; Galatians 1:10; Proverbs 17:3)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval--only God approval.
Declaration of Faith
My heavenly Father has entrusted me with the Gospel, to spread it in my circle of influence. Therefore, I do not focus my attention on pleasing men but on pleasing God.
(Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15-20; Galatians 1:10; Proverbs 17:3)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Comfort and Encouragement
Psalm 42:5,8,11 NKJV
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me -- a prayer to the God of my life. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Declaration of Faith
I refuse to be depressed about any circumstance or situation I find myself in. I will never forget that my heavenly Father loves me with all of His heart and is caring for me every second of every day. He commands His lovingkindness in the daytime and at night His song remains with me. My father never fails to be there for me. He is my Comforter who restores to me the joy of my salvation.
(Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 51:12; Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:4)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me -- a prayer to the God of my life. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Declaration of Faith
I refuse to be depressed about any circumstance or situation I find myself in. I will never forget that my heavenly Father loves me with all of His heart and is caring for me every second of every day. He commands His lovingkindness in the daytime and at night His song remains with me. My father never fails to be there for me. He is my Comforter who restores to me the joy of my salvation.
(Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 51:12; Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:4)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Doing the impossible
Luke 18:27 NKJV
But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Declaration of Faith
Everything that is naturally impossible to me has become possible through the Holy Spirit dwelling within me.
(Matthew 17:20; 19:26; Mark 9:23; 10:27; 11:22-25; Luke 1:37; Hebrews 11:1,6)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Declaration of Faith
Everything that is naturally impossible to me has become possible through the Holy Spirit dwelling within me.
(Matthew 17:20; 19:26; Mark 9:23; 10:27; 11:22-25; Luke 1:37; Hebrews 11:1,6)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
Friday, February 20, 2009
The voice of truth
It seems like everything in the news is depressing. The world seems in mass confusion. The economy is disgustingly strained. Unemployment is almost to double digits nationally. Ethics are compromised by greed. We lie, steal, cheat, and murder and more every day these things become increasingly acceptable.
It is easy to see why depression is escalating. It is easy to see why so many are afraid of getting out of bed or looking beyond today. By all appearances, life is bad right now. To find someone not concerned about the economy is a challenge.
I am a self proclaimed optimist. Sure, I have my moments of darkness, but they are so infrequent and when doubt, confusion and depression rears its ugly head, I am able to find my happy place again quickly.
Having a conversation with my loving Father is encouraging, refreshing. Praising and worshipping Him helps to put things into perspective. I don't live in the worlds economy. I live in His economy. I don't have to worry about tomorrow. He will care for my needs. One day I will reside with Him and all the cares of the world will be a distant memory, if even that. My life on earth is but a blip on the radar of eternity. That is encouraging to me. That is what makes me smile.
Today, as I realized I was falling into a funk the song "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns continued to run through my head like a broken record. It is so relevant, so true. Please watch and listen and hopefully you will find a moment of peace as you hear His voice of truth speaking to you.
It is easy to see why depression is escalating. It is easy to see why so many are afraid of getting out of bed or looking beyond today. By all appearances, life is bad right now. To find someone not concerned about the economy is a challenge.
I am a self proclaimed optimist. Sure, I have my moments of darkness, but they are so infrequent and when doubt, confusion and depression rears its ugly head, I am able to find my happy place again quickly.
Having a conversation with my loving Father is encouraging, refreshing. Praising and worshipping Him helps to put things into perspective. I don't live in the worlds economy. I live in His economy. I don't have to worry about tomorrow. He will care for my needs. One day I will reside with Him and all the cares of the world will be a distant memory, if even that. My life on earth is but a blip on the radar of eternity. That is encouraging to me. That is what makes me smile.
Today, as I realized I was falling into a funk the song "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns continued to run through my head like a broken record. It is so relevant, so true. Please watch and listen and hopefully you will find a moment of peace as you hear His voice of truth speaking to you.
Monday, February 16, 2009
New ring update
So far, during my online search, I have only found one ring that I really, really just had to see in person. One day last week I went to take a look and after trying it on, I still really liked it.
The next step was to show The Designer the ring. On Friday he and I went to the store specifically to look at the ring. I tried it on. He looked at it. He made no comment about it one way or the other. We weren't prepared to make a purchase that night so after showing him, we left.
As we walked out of the store and he said, "I have to tell you this now because if I don't and you find out later, you will be very angry with me. I think that ring is EXTREMELY (very heavy emphasis on extremely) ugly. But, please, if that is the one you want, don't let that stop you from getting it."
So there you have it...I don't need The Designer to LOVE my ring, but I do not want him to HATE it either. If he feels that strongly about it, it is not the right ring for me. I haven't found anything else that I like enough to go look at in person, so for now, I will just repair the ring I have and continue to wear it. I like that ring just fine...I certainly don't need a new ring. For now I am no longer looking for a new ring. If one every jumps out at me as "The One" I'll definitely consider it at that time.
The next step was to show The Designer the ring. On Friday he and I went to the store specifically to look at the ring. I tried it on. He looked at it. He made no comment about it one way or the other. We weren't prepared to make a purchase that night so after showing him, we left.
As we walked out of the store and he said, "I have to tell you this now because if I don't and you find out later, you will be very angry with me. I think that ring is EXTREMELY (very heavy emphasis on extremely) ugly. But, please, if that is the one you want, don't let that stop you from getting it."
So there you have it...I don't need The Designer to LOVE my ring, but I do not want him to HATE it either. If he feels that strongly about it, it is not the right ring for me. I haven't found anything else that I like enough to go look at in person, so for now, I will just repair the ring I have and continue to wear it. I like that ring just fine...I certainly don't need a new ring. For now I am no longer looking for a new ring. If one every jumps out at me as "The One" I'll definitely consider it at that time.
I wonder
I wonder what God has in store for my future. I think about it often. I don't worry about it, just think about it.
I loved, loved, loved being a high school teacher. I loved the connections I made with students and the difference that I made. I fully believe that is the career God intended for me. I miss it. Alot.
I love that I have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, but that doesn't take away my desire to teach high school. I know we are blessed to be able to afford me to stay home. I have several friends who would love this opportunity. I don't take it for granted. I love having this opportunity. Really, I do. But every now and again I get this strong desire to start looking for a teaching job. Is that God or is that me? I struggle with knowing the difference sometimes.
We have four years until Lil Princess enters Kindergarten. I don't plan to return to work until she is in school full time, which, as it currently stands, would be five years from now as Kindergarten is part-time (they are considering changing that though). I have already been a stay-at-home momma for 4.5 years. I can do 5 more, right?
Finding a full time high school business teaching job is not going to be an easy task. I do know, however, that if that is where God wants me, the position will be available at the right time. Since our state has been struggling for so long, we have lost a lot of residents, therefore the number of students has dropped. As a result, many of the non-core classes have been cut from most high schools. That means there are few jobs out there and it is not often that someone currently teaching in that particular area actually retires...so, the window of opportunity is small...very, very small.
I will continue to seek Gods wisdom in this matter. I want to do what is pleasing to Him. I want to do what is right for our family. I trust that the two (do or will) align. The Designer has told me many times that the value I add to our family is beyond measure, beyond a paycheck...but why on those really long, very difficult days, does it not feel like that?
I am excited about what my (our) future holds. I can't wait to see what God has in store. I know in perfect timing, it will be revealed. Until then, I will go bathe my children, feed them breakfast, play with them, and do all of the other mommy things that a typical Monday calls for. I will love the special moments I share with them. I will cherish nap time, too! :)
**As I reread this, I felt it was important to mention that God has been providing for my career in that I do still teach 1 or 2 college classes every semester and have been for the past 4 years. It has helped to provide some for our family (financially) and to keep me in the classroom. I am teaching 1 night a week right now and I do enjoy getting out of the house. I just know that unless I have a heart change (which is possible) college is not where God plans for me to stay indefinitely.**
I loved, loved, loved being a high school teacher. I loved the connections I made with students and the difference that I made. I fully believe that is the career God intended for me. I miss it. Alot.
I love that I have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, but that doesn't take away my desire to teach high school. I know we are blessed to be able to afford me to stay home. I have several friends who would love this opportunity. I don't take it for granted. I love having this opportunity. Really, I do. But every now and again I get this strong desire to start looking for a teaching job. Is that God or is that me? I struggle with knowing the difference sometimes.
We have four years until Lil Princess enters Kindergarten. I don't plan to return to work until she is in school full time, which, as it currently stands, would be five years from now as Kindergarten is part-time (they are considering changing that though). I have already been a stay-at-home momma for 4.5 years. I can do 5 more, right?
Finding a full time high school business teaching job is not going to be an easy task. I do know, however, that if that is where God wants me, the position will be available at the right time. Since our state has been struggling for so long, we have lost a lot of residents, therefore the number of students has dropped. As a result, many of the non-core classes have been cut from most high schools. That means there are few jobs out there and it is not often that someone currently teaching in that particular area actually retires...so, the window of opportunity is small...very, very small.
I will continue to seek Gods wisdom in this matter. I want to do what is pleasing to Him. I want to do what is right for our family. I trust that the two (do or will) align. The Designer has told me many times that the value I add to our family is beyond measure, beyond a paycheck...but why on those really long, very difficult days, does it not feel like that?
I am excited about what my (our) future holds. I can't wait to see what God has in store. I know in perfect timing, it will be revealed. Until then, I will go bathe my children, feed them breakfast, play with them, and do all of the other mommy things that a typical Monday calls for. I will love the special moments I share with them. I will cherish nap time, too! :)
**As I reread this, I felt it was important to mention that God has been providing for my career in that I do still teach 1 or 2 college classes every semester and have been for the past 4 years. It has helped to provide some for our family (financially) and to keep me in the classroom. I am teaching 1 night a week right now and I do enjoy getting out of the house. I just know that unless I have a heart change (which is possible) college is not where God plans for me to stay indefinitely.**
Friday, February 13, 2009
18 months
Lil Princess is 18 months old today. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. We have actually had her in our lives as long as we officially waited for her to become a part of our lives now (i.e. from the time our profile was active until the day she was born).
The wait for our child to find us seemed long and sometimes overwhelming, but the moment she was in our arms, the wait seemed almost nonexistent. Now that we have had her with us as long as we waited for her, the wait seemed so minimal compared to the joy and completion she has brought to our lives.
She perfectly fills the hole our family experienced. We couldn't have picked a more perfect little person to join our family and I will be forever grateful to N for allowing us the honor and privilege or having Princess as our daughter.
Happy 18 month birthday Lil Princess.
We love you!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Another Lil Bug moment to share
This morning I received a call shortly after Lil Bug left for school. It was her physical therapist, Mrs. S. I haven't spoken with her in a while, so it was good to touch base.
Part way into the conversation she said, "You must have really been working hard with Bug while you were on vacation."
Um, no? Not really?!?!
According to Mrs. S, when Bug saw her (for the first time in over 2 weeks) she got very excited and started shouting, "I have something very special to show you, Mrs. S. You are going to be so proud of me."
She then sat down in the middle of the room and proceeded to stand up all by herself. Now, for 99.99% of the people in the world, that is very normal, very expected...but for Bug, it was yet another miracle.
Up until that moment she has always had to pull herself up to a stand using the couch, someones leg, a chair, whatever she had access to. If she fell while walking unaided, she would usually crawl over to something sturdy and pull herself up. But apparently last week that all changed.
Now here is the weird part of this story...we have NOT been practicing that. Not at all. While we were on vacation she basically stayed in the stroller the entire time. I'm the one who "works" with Bug during the day to practice getting stronger and learning things and I have not focused on standing up alone. So, how did she know that morning that she could do it? She was so sure when she saw Mrs. S. She knew without a doubt that she could do it, but why? I could understand if we had been working on it to 'surprise' her, but we hadn't...so how did she know?
When she came home from school today I asked her to show me how she stands up by herself and she did it, no problem. I, of course, celebrated (shrieking, dancing, thanking God, the whole-nine-yards) and she celebrated with me. I told her that I didn't know she could do that and she simply said, "I know you didn't know...but I knew I could."
How did she know? I have an idea. I'm sure it is a similar story to her "God told me to walk, so I got up and walked" story. But I don't want to flat out ask her because I don't want to lead her one way or another...so I'll just wait patiently for it to surface.
In the meantime I have been thanking God over and over again. Thank God for the miracles that he continues to bestow upon our family, upon my Bug. He is so good to us...so good. Not just sometimes, but all the time.
I have no doubt that she will continue to have miracles in her life. She is a very blessed little girl.
Part way into the conversation she said, "You must have really been working hard with Bug while you were on vacation."
Um, no? Not really?!?!
According to Mrs. S, when Bug saw her (for the first time in over 2 weeks) she got very excited and started shouting, "I have something very special to show you, Mrs. S. You are going to be so proud of me."
She then sat down in the middle of the room and proceeded to stand up all by herself. Now, for 99.99% of the people in the world, that is very normal, very expected...but for Bug, it was yet another miracle.
Up until that moment she has always had to pull herself up to a stand using the couch, someones leg, a chair, whatever she had access to. If she fell while walking unaided, she would usually crawl over to something sturdy and pull herself up. But apparently last week that all changed.
Now here is the weird part of this story...we have NOT been practicing that. Not at all. While we were on vacation she basically stayed in the stroller the entire time. I'm the one who "works" with Bug during the day to practice getting stronger and learning things and I have not focused on standing up alone. So, how did she know that morning that she could do it? She was so sure when she saw Mrs. S. She knew without a doubt that she could do it, but why? I could understand if we had been working on it to 'surprise' her, but we hadn't...so how did she know?
When she came home from school today I asked her to show me how she stands up by herself and she did it, no problem. I, of course, celebrated (shrieking, dancing, thanking God, the whole-nine-yards) and she celebrated with me. I told her that I didn't know she could do that and she simply said, "I know you didn't know...but I knew I could."
How did she know? I have an idea. I'm sure it is a similar story to her "God told me to walk, so I got up and walked" story. But I don't want to flat out ask her because I don't want to lead her one way or another...so I'll just wait patiently for it to surface.
In the meantime I have been thanking God over and over again. Thank God for the miracles that he continues to bestow upon our family, upon my Bug. He is so good to us...so good. Not just sometimes, but all the time.
I have no doubt that she will continue to have miracles in her life. She is a very blessed little girl.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Wedding Rings
About one month ago I noticed that my wedding ring was smashed...bad. One would think that I would actually recall something happening considering it was so disfigured, but alas, I don't.
I need to get it fixed. I haven't yet so currently I am wearing another of my rings until I get my wedding ring back.
Although I love having a wedding ring, I am not particularly attached to this particular ring. We married when we were poor, nineteen year olds. We didn't have money for anything extravagant but this ring just about broke the bank for us. I am totally ok with having a small ring. That has never bothered me in the slightest. The only regret I have is that the ring is yellow gold rather than white gold as I don't wear anything yellow gold.
Over the years The Designer and I have talked about getting new rings (he's not particularly attached to his either) but the rings have never made it to the top of our priority list so we've never saved the money for new ones.
When I discovered my ring smashed a while back I started teasing The Designer, telling him that it was surely a sign that it was time to get a new ring. And, besides...we are going to be celebrating 13 years of marriage and I am just about certain that a new wedding ring is the perfect gift for a 13 year celebration!!! He always rolls his eyes and tells me to keep dreaming.
Then, this weekend, totally out of the blue he says to me, "Lets start looking for new rings...I think it is time."
Wait...
What?!?!
Did he just say we can get new rings?
Really?
So, now that I have "permission" to shop for a new ring, I have no idea what I would even get...so, off to the stores I'll go.
I love that we didn't buy one before now. I would hate to think of financing a ring...it would be silly in this economy. It will be much more satisfying looking at a shiny new ring knowing that we saved, paid for it and earned it through our years of marriage! :)
Any suggestions out there of what I should get?
This is one that I *think* I like, but of course, once I see it in person, I'll may think it is gaudy or something. My concern with this one is that it might be too tall on my finger...hopefully I'll go see it in person soon. My big draw to this one is that it is unique (or at least I think it is...I really haven't been in the ring market for a long time so maybe it is very common, IDK)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Beauty is from within
As the parent of a beautiful little girl (who happens to have Spina Bifida) I really appreciated this video.
Enjoy...
Enjoy...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day
Mixed emotions today!
As I mentioned in previous posts, I did not vote for Obama. However, I know history is in the making right now and that is very cool. I am proud that our nation has overcome their racist divisions and voted in an African-American.
I have concerns about what our future as a nation holds, but for today, I set aside those fears and watch the inauguration with excitement and sense of pride.
Lil Bug recognizes Obama. She saw his picture on tv this morning and yelled out, "THAT'S OBAMBA!" Yes, erroneous spelling intentional there. She then said, "so, the pink guy is out and the brown guy is in now?"
LOL...such simple terms. I confirmed her assessment and then we had a discussion about differences in people. Some people have long hair, some short. Some people have brown eyes, others blue, or hazel, or gray. Some people are tall, others are short. Some people are thin, others are heavy. We talked about all the differences that people have and then we ended the discussion that God made every single one of them...and He loves them all the same. She understands! She is such an awesome kid.
Anywho, back to this history-making day...I will most likely watch the majority of the happenings on TV. I love living history!
As I mentioned in previous posts, I did not vote for Obama. However, I know history is in the making right now and that is very cool. I am proud that our nation has overcome their racist divisions and voted in an African-American.
I have concerns about what our future as a nation holds, but for today, I set aside those fears and watch the inauguration with excitement and sense of pride.
Lil Bug recognizes Obama. She saw his picture on tv this morning and yelled out, "THAT'S OBAMBA!" Yes, erroneous spelling intentional there. She then said, "so, the pink guy is out and the brown guy is in now?"
LOL...such simple terms. I confirmed her assessment and then we had a discussion about differences in people. Some people have long hair, some short. Some people have brown eyes, others blue, or hazel, or gray. Some people are tall, others are short. Some people are thin, others are heavy. We talked about all the differences that people have and then we ended the discussion that God made every single one of them...and He loves them all the same. She understands! She is such an awesome kid.
Anywho, back to this history-making day...I will most likely watch the majority of the happenings on TV. I love living history!
Thoughts about visits with birthfamily
I love that Princess will have established relationships with her birthparents so she can always know where she came from. She will always be able to look into their eyes and see her own. She will have the privilege of knowing that although she doesn't look like her parents, she can see exactly which of her birthparents she got her smile from, or the color of her eyes, or her laugh. The list goes on and on.
Last week we had a visit with her birthmother. It was different than any other visit because this time I took them to get pictures together. How cool is that?!?! I am so excited that both of them will have this moment in time forever. My hope for N is that she knows how much we care for her and want her to remain a vital role in our daughters life. My hope for Princess is that she knows we love and respect her first mother. There is no anger, resentment or jealously...just respect and love. N could have parented Princess. She would have had some support to do so, but for her personal reasons, she felt Princess should live with us. She loves Princess sooooo much and it is obvious by how she looks at her and plays with her when they are together.
We had a visit with D and his mom yesterday. Our visits with D (birthfather) are usually a bit awkward. We are not nearly as close to him as we are with N. We only talk to him when he calls requesting a visit. That is fine with me, but then when the visits occur, it is just a little strange at first. Typically he comes during a weekday morning as that works best for all of us, but that means The Designer is not here so I have to carry the conversation. He usually brings his mom with...I'm not sure he necessarily wants her there and I don't even know if she really wants to come (although she does seem to enjoy the visits) but he needs a ride, she has a car, so it works.
It takes a while for Princess to warm up to him, but she does eventually. Although generally things are good, I have one annoyance with our visits with D. He regularly refers to himself as "dad" and N as "ma." For example, when he walked in yesterday he sat down and looked at her for a moment and then he said, "You look more and more like your ma." He has done stuff like this in the past. I don't ever want to hurt his feelings so in the past I have not said anything at the moment, but Princess is getting older and understands a lot more now. I want Princess to know who they are, but I don't want to confuse her. I am mom and The Designer is dad. D is D and N is N (if Princess wants to change this as she gets older, we fully support that!).
I've had discussions with D in the past about these comments (I have called him after visits so as to not make him uncomfortable in our home) and he has said he knows who her parents are, but it just slips out. So, yesterday, in response to his comment I said, "Really? I don't think she looks like me that much at all." He quickly said, "I mean she looks more like N now." And I said, "Oh, yeah, I wondered if that was what you may have meant. N is N to Princess. She doesn't know her as 'ma' " D's mom sort of raised her voice at him and said, "You know better, D!"
I honestly can't tell if he really does do it by accident or if he is just being a booger. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and trust that it just "slips out." But the more he does it, the more I wonder.
Last week we had a visit with her birthmother. It was different than any other visit because this time I took them to get pictures together. How cool is that?!?! I am so excited that both of them will have this moment in time forever. My hope for N is that she knows how much we care for her and want her to remain a vital role in our daughters life. My hope for Princess is that she knows we love and respect her first mother. There is no anger, resentment or jealously...just respect and love. N could have parented Princess. She would have had some support to do so, but for her personal reasons, she felt Princess should live with us. She loves Princess sooooo much and it is obvious by how she looks at her and plays with her when they are together.
We had a visit with D and his mom yesterday. Our visits with D (birthfather) are usually a bit awkward. We are not nearly as close to him as we are with N. We only talk to him when he calls requesting a visit. That is fine with me, but then when the visits occur, it is just a little strange at first. Typically he comes during a weekday morning as that works best for all of us, but that means The Designer is not here so I have to carry the conversation. He usually brings his mom with...I'm not sure he necessarily wants her there and I don't even know if she really wants to come (although she does seem to enjoy the visits) but he needs a ride, she has a car, so it works.
It takes a while for Princess to warm up to him, but she does eventually. Although generally things are good, I have one annoyance with our visits with D. He regularly refers to himself as "dad" and N as "ma." For example, when he walked in yesterday he sat down and looked at her for a moment and then he said, "You look more and more like your ma." He has done stuff like this in the past. I don't ever want to hurt his feelings so in the past I have not said anything at the moment, but Princess is getting older and understands a lot more now. I want Princess to know who they are, but I don't want to confuse her. I am mom and The Designer is dad. D is D and N is N (if Princess wants to change this as she gets older, we fully support that!).
I've had discussions with D in the past about these comments (I have called him after visits so as to not make him uncomfortable in our home) and he has said he knows who her parents are, but it just slips out. So, yesterday, in response to his comment I said, "Really? I don't think she looks like me that much at all." He quickly said, "I mean she looks more like N now." And I said, "Oh, yeah, I wondered if that was what you may have meant. N is N to Princess. She doesn't know her as 'ma' " D's mom sort of raised her voice at him and said, "You know better, D!"
I honestly can't tell if he really does do it by accident or if he is just being a booger. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and trust that it just "slips out." But the more he does it, the more I wonder.
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