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Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
When it rains it pours...
I should have known when I woke up to snow on my grass on Oct the 10th that it wasn't a good sign.
It has been quite the week. On Monday, the beta fish died...not a huge loss, but a loss none the less. On Wednesday, we had to put our dog Murphy down. He was a wonderful golden retriever whom we loved dearly. We had 7 good years with him, but he became sick with what we think was a brain tumor. Z man took it the hardest and cried more tears than I thought one 9 year old could hold. It broke my heart. The house is much calmer without the big dog (110 lbs) eating off the counter, peeing on the floor, and having seizures....but it just feels empty.
Then tonight, daddy comes down with the flu...and we notice that Z-man's bunny is not looking so good in the bunny hutch. So while daddy is sick upstairs, mommy is trying to calm a distraught 9 year old (who can't understand why every pet he gets dies)...nurse a dying bunny back to life (fervent prayers, syringes of water, pleading, and cussing didn't work)all while keeping track of the 2 year old who is dumping salt from the salt shaker all over the floor. A slapped together meal of cheese sticks, apples, strawberries, applesauce and crackers is flung to the table while we keep bunny watch. We manage to get a little dinner in, until the wails of the 9 year old break my heart yet again, as dear Alvin the bunny has gone. Hugs and tears...dinner to clean up. Then the kitchen sink backs up...icky water every where...daddy sick in bed...9 year old crying...dead bunny in back porch...mommy laughing on the inside at the absurdity of her life!
It is now 10:35, I am composing myself out here in the blogosphere and trying to figure out where to sleep. My bed is full of sick husband...Sunshine's bed is full of Sunshine and sad big brother...sounds like mommy gets a couch somewhere.
But first, I have to check on the puppy I found on Pet Finder...I think he could fill the gap left by Murphy and Alvin and the Beta! Now if only we could convince dad.....
It has been quite the week. On Monday, the beta fish died...not a huge loss, but a loss none the less. On Wednesday, we had to put our dog Murphy down. He was a wonderful golden retriever whom we loved dearly. We had 7 good years with him, but he became sick with what we think was a brain tumor. Z man took it the hardest and cried more tears than I thought one 9 year old could hold. It broke my heart. The house is much calmer without the big dog (110 lbs) eating off the counter, peeing on the floor, and having seizures....but it just feels empty.
Then tonight, daddy comes down with the flu...and we notice that Z-man's bunny is not looking so good in the bunny hutch. So while daddy is sick upstairs, mommy is trying to calm a distraught 9 year old (who can't understand why every pet he gets dies)...nurse a dying bunny back to life (fervent prayers, syringes of water, pleading, and cussing didn't work)all while keeping track of the 2 year old who is dumping salt from the salt shaker all over the floor. A slapped together meal of cheese sticks, apples, strawberries, applesauce and crackers is flung to the table while we keep bunny watch. We manage to get a little dinner in, until the wails of the 9 year old break my heart yet again, as dear Alvin the bunny has gone. Hugs and tears...dinner to clean up. Then the kitchen sink backs up...icky water every where...daddy sick in bed...9 year old crying...dead bunny in back porch...mommy laughing on the inside at the absurdity of her life!
It is now 10:35, I am composing myself out here in the blogosphere and trying to figure out where to sleep. My bed is full of sick husband...Sunshine's bed is full of Sunshine and sad big brother...sounds like mommy gets a couch somewhere.
But first, I have to check on the puppy I found on Pet Finder...I think he could fill the gap left by Murphy and Alvin and the Beta! Now if only we could convince dad.....
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Oh the joy...NOT
Well, we are now a CDC statistic. We have succumb to the flu that shall not be named. The B-man came down with it yesterday and today, his big brothers have joined him...though not quite to his extent. B has been running a temp hovering around 104...too high for my taste...all day. It is so sad to see him so sluggish and fever-loopy. His older brothers both lazed on the couch all day, not eating (very unheard of in this house !) and the oldest even napped for 2 hours. The princess seems to have come down with a case of the terrible twos...timing it just right as mama is running up and down the stairs taking temps, doling out gator-aid, and bathing in hand sanitizer! She has been a demanding little diva all day, which unfortunately leads me to believe that she is probably coming down with something as well.
It is also looking like we will have to put our big ole golden retriever to sleep in the coming days. He isn't that old, but has seizures, is getting aggressive,and has ruined the basement carpet. He has no quality of life and it is breaking all of our hearts.
So, joyful we are not...but thankful to have several tv's...a large stock of ibuprophen and tylenol and a few days to lay with our big old dog, giving him a little more love while he is still with us.
It is also looking like we will have to put our big ole golden retriever to sleep in the coming days. He isn't that old, but has seizures, is getting aggressive,and has ruined the basement carpet. He has no quality of life and it is breaking all of our hearts.
So, joyful we are not...but thankful to have several tv's...a large stock of ibuprophen and tylenol and a few days to lay with our big old dog, giving him a little more love while he is still with us.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
One Year Ago
One year ago today...
I didn't know my heart could hold so much love.
I discovered the sweet spot between Sunshine's ear and shoulder.
Watched as my daughter reached out and touched her hand on my face with a look of "At last, we are together".
I saw her smile for the first time.
I felt my heart sing as she reached for me instead of her nanny.
I didn't know if she would be able to walk, talk, or overcome the obstacles of malnutrition, and I didn't care.
I knew my family was complete.
Today I have a sparkly, sweet and amazing daughter who...
can count to 5
runs instead of walks
sings a lullaby to her babies every night.
loves pretties in her hair.
is adored by so many.
is healthy, medication free, and thriving.
has stolen more hearts than I can count.
story has convinved at least 1 other family to start a similar journey.
can throw a tantrum with the best of them.
gives the best kisses and hugs in all of the world.
Happy Gotcha Day my sweet, sweet girl!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
New Beginnings, Old Memories
We are back in the saddle again. Yeehaw! I LOVE routine. I LOVE knowing where my kids are, that they are learning something valuable and not sitting in front of a TV, Wii, or the like! I love that they all had a good day, with only a few minor glitches along the way. And mostly I love that they will be going back tomorrow!
It was a successful start to the new season. Everyone truly likes their new teachers (couldn't have hand picked them any better) and even the Diva did better in daycare today. Ahhh sigh of relief! I am actually loving my new job at the preschool and really enjoying not having worry following me around anymore. I truly think we could be in for a great fall!
A year ago, right this moment, I was sitting on a plane bound for Africa. I can't believe it has already been a year. Of course it also feels like Sunshine has been with us forever. I so wish I could tell her Ethiopia family what a wonderful little girl they created. I would love for them to see her sparkle, to hear her laughter, and to receive her sweet kisses. And to know that she is healthy and thriving and that she sends kisses to them nightly. It is a bittersweet road, this adoption journey. I have so much joy remembering the moment I finally found Africa...and so much heartache knowing I needed Africa so much more than it needed me.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Fall is in the air
It is so cold in my house this am that I am in sweats! That is a little bit wrong, given it IS still August...at least for the rest of the day!
We are so ready to be back in a routine. E started back this am, much to his chagrin. I think he was still enjoying summer. The kids NEED to go back to school before they do each other in. The middles have taken up arguing as a competitive sport. It seems the first one to give in and cry wins. Mom is ready to give up the referee roll for a while! Time for them to have some space, their own friends, and have their minds expanded for a bit.
Overall, summer was good. Trips to the lake, Duluth, the cities, and more filled many weeks. The kids thrived on biking, football in the front yard and swimming. Sunshine has grown by leaps and bounds and though she started the summer as a baby, she is a full fledged little girl now. Wow. For me it was a really bittersweet summer. Selling the shop was hard, and I still have days where I am so sad that I had to give it up. But these days, more often than not, I am thrilled with the new slower pace of life. I love not waking up worrying and going to bed only to wake up in the middle of the night in a panic. I launched a great shop and hopefully it will continue to flourish.
The fall is going to bring nice routine. J-dog and dad out the door by 7:15 to get the bus to the 6th grade school, the mom mobile loaded and out the door by 7:50 with stops at the elementary school and then on to work at the Y. I am really looking forward to working in the preschool and seeing if it is something I want to pursue further or not. Then mom and sunshine home for lunch and nap then back to pick up the brothers 3 by 2:45. It should be a good routine!
We are quickly approaching Sunshines one year family day. It hardly seems possible that a year ago we were planning the final details of our trip to get her. What a year! She is such an amazing blessing and I can't believe how much she has grown and changed in a year. I am worried about her Ethiopia family. There is a horrible drought right now in the region where some of her birth family lives and famine is spreading quickly. I feel so helpless so far away. We pray that God is holding them safely.
That is all for now...I will be closing out this blog in the next week or so and moving on to one that keeps pace with our whole family! Stay tuned for the switch!
We are so ready to be back in a routine. E started back this am, much to his chagrin. I think he was still enjoying summer. The kids NEED to go back to school before they do each other in. The middles have taken up arguing as a competitive sport. It seems the first one to give in and cry wins. Mom is ready to give up the referee roll for a while! Time for them to have some space, their own friends, and have their minds expanded for a bit.
Overall, summer was good. Trips to the lake, Duluth, the cities, and more filled many weeks. The kids thrived on biking, football in the front yard and swimming. Sunshine has grown by leaps and bounds and though she started the summer as a baby, she is a full fledged little girl now. Wow. For me it was a really bittersweet summer. Selling the shop was hard, and I still have days where I am so sad that I had to give it up. But these days, more often than not, I am thrilled with the new slower pace of life. I love not waking up worrying and going to bed only to wake up in the middle of the night in a panic. I launched a great shop and hopefully it will continue to flourish.
The fall is going to bring nice routine. J-dog and dad out the door by 7:15 to get the bus to the 6th grade school, the mom mobile loaded and out the door by 7:50 with stops at the elementary school and then on to work at the Y. I am really looking forward to working in the preschool and seeing if it is something I want to pursue further or not. Then mom and sunshine home for lunch and nap then back to pick up the brothers 3 by 2:45. It should be a good routine!
We are quickly approaching Sunshines one year family day. It hardly seems possible that a year ago we were planning the final details of our trip to get her. What a year! She is such an amazing blessing and I can't believe how much she has grown and changed in a year. I am worried about her Ethiopia family. There is a horrible drought right now in the region where some of her birth family lives and famine is spreading quickly. I feel so helpless so far away. We pray that God is holding them safely.
That is all for now...I will be closing out this blog in the next week or so and moving on to one that keeps pace with our whole family! Stay tuned for the switch!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Updates, Updates, Updates!
Oops...so I fell off the blog-wagon again. I was going to be so good and try and write at least every other day...guess I was aspiring a little too high! So here is an update::
Miss Sunshine continues to dazzle with her smile and her 2 year old antics. She has been healthy ALL summer which is completely amazing after having her ill ALL winter! She is growing like a weed and will most certainly need a new wardrobe by fall as nothing from spring will fit any longer! I am not sure what she will do come fall when her beloved brothers are back at school and not at her beck and call. Poor kiddo! She is loving playing outside, playing babies and kitchen, and singing. She is also very fond of carrying the cats around...sorry kitties!
We have entered a very strange phase of life. It's called toddler and tween under the same roof. As I work on little one understanding the word no and contemplating potty training, the tween had his first visit to the orthodontist. Yieks! He is slated for round one of braces on Thursday. Not what he was hoping to hear. He has a traumatic overbite. Not what a mother wants to hear. I feel for him...but his 2 best friends also have braces, so he will be in good company! So nothing like braces and diapers all at the same time!
The other two are chugging along. The middle brother has had a fun summer and grown a ton. He is so good with his sister and has enjoyed playing hard and having fun with friends. I think he will be ready to head back to school soon to his own friends and a little time away from his little brother!
As for little brother...he is having a great summer with some big bumps. He is growing like crazy and just may surpass his brothers in time. He is soo strong and built like a linebacker. He ist he apple of his sisters eye and they have fun being silly together. His bumps have come in the form of friendships. In our neighboorhood, we have two kids across the street who are like siblings..but they are older then the little man and while he plays with them, he is often left out. Then there are the neighbors next door. They are his age and come from a home that has very different values from ours. While they play well together, what they play and the attiudes he is picking up are not good. We had to finally "ground" him from them for the week. He's just too good of a kid to follow the path I am afraid they are traveling. So since he is still only 6, mama put her foot down and now find myself with a 6 year old who needs some entertaining. He will be our right hand man this week!
The hubby has been very busy on projects the last few weeks and has lovingly gutted and rebuilt the kitchen. IT is fabulous!! Not sure what the next project will be, but his time is running out, as school starts in 2 weeks!
As for me...I am so happy. So much less stressed, so much nicer to be around! The store transition went well and is signed, selaed and delivered. I have a few loose ends to tie up, but not much. It is a huge relief! I just got a job this week working at the local Y as a preschool teacher. I can't wait. It will be a fun, stress free job! Yay! Miss Sunshine will be in childwatch at the Y, getting some fun kid time too. It will be a great fall!
So there you go. That's the update. I will post pictures later, but right now am getting the mom my turn on the computer look!
Miss Sunshine continues to dazzle with her smile and her 2 year old antics. She has been healthy ALL summer which is completely amazing after having her ill ALL winter! She is growing like a weed and will most certainly need a new wardrobe by fall as nothing from spring will fit any longer! I am not sure what she will do come fall when her beloved brothers are back at school and not at her beck and call. Poor kiddo! She is loving playing outside, playing babies and kitchen, and singing. She is also very fond of carrying the cats around...sorry kitties!
We have entered a very strange phase of life. It's called toddler and tween under the same roof. As I work on little one understanding the word no and contemplating potty training, the tween had his first visit to the orthodontist. Yieks! He is slated for round one of braces on Thursday. Not what he was hoping to hear. He has a traumatic overbite. Not what a mother wants to hear. I feel for him...but his 2 best friends also have braces, so he will be in good company! So nothing like braces and diapers all at the same time!
The other two are chugging along. The middle brother has had a fun summer and grown a ton. He is so good with his sister and has enjoyed playing hard and having fun with friends. I think he will be ready to head back to school soon to his own friends and a little time away from his little brother!
As for little brother...he is having a great summer with some big bumps. He is growing like crazy and just may surpass his brothers in time. He is soo strong and built like a linebacker. He ist he apple of his sisters eye and they have fun being silly together. His bumps have come in the form of friendships. In our neighboorhood, we have two kids across the street who are like siblings..but they are older then the little man and while he plays with them, he is often left out. Then there are the neighbors next door. They are his age and come from a home that has very different values from ours. While they play well together, what they play and the attiudes he is picking up are not good. We had to finally "ground" him from them for the week. He's just too good of a kid to follow the path I am afraid they are traveling. So since he is still only 6, mama put her foot down and now find myself with a 6 year old who needs some entertaining. He will be our right hand man this week!
The hubby has been very busy on projects the last few weeks and has lovingly gutted and rebuilt the kitchen. IT is fabulous!! Not sure what the next project will be, but his time is running out, as school starts in 2 weeks!
As for me...I am so happy. So much less stressed, so much nicer to be around! The store transition went well and is signed, selaed and delivered. I have a few loose ends to tie up, but not much. It is a huge relief! I just got a job this week working at the local Y as a preschool teacher. I can't wait. It will be a fun, stress free job! Yay! Miss Sunshine will be in childwatch at the Y, getting some fun kid time too. It will be a great fall!
So there you go. That's the update. I will post pictures later, but right now am getting the mom my turn on the computer look!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Birthday Princess and Officially ours!
Well, the birthday Princess is two!! We had a grand pink palooza on Friday night and a great time was had by all. She LOVED opening presents and LOVED pink frosted cake. She is all about babies and cooking, so it was a kitchen and babies for her!
This week, we got to officially make her ours here in the USA. A VERY short court appointment followed by celebratory bagels at Panera started the day. Then it was home to open her first American Girl doll. Rather fitting for the day I thought! Enjoy the pics!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
On one hand...and on the other
Okay so changes have begun. I have decided to close my baby boutique. The economy has really hit us hard. People are still shopping, but spending so much less. I just finally got tired of the worry, the headaches, and the constant stress. At times I am almost giddy with the freedom that is on the horizon, and other times I am so scared of what next that a whole new form of panic sets in.
On the one hand, I knew in my heart it was done and I was done and the dream that was the shop was turning into more of a nightmare.
On the other hand, I wonder if I really tried everything, explored every avenue, gave it my all completely because it was so close to making it.
On one hand I will be thrilled to be bringing in money instead of continuing to throw money at the shop.
On the other hand, I have no idea what I am going to do to make that money!
On one hand I am excited about the possibilities of exploring something new,
On the other hand, I have NO idea what I want to do and worry that nothing will come along.
The next few weeks will be crazy. We are on vacation right now, which is good and bad. Good because after I announced the closing, I headed out of town and didn't have to deal with the fall out. But, I am still getting calls and thinking about all that needs to be done. It just sits constantly at the back of my mind. SO while being away and busy has been good, I can't totally escape. Next week, the shop will be closed all week and I will prep it for the final sales. There are two people who are interested in buying it if they can get the financing. That has lots of "on one hand" and "on the other hand" as well. IF that happens, then I really am just about done. And now what? looms pretty big on the horizon. Yieks.
Otherwise, the kids are doing great. We are in Duluth and they are loving the big lake and rock throwing and sightseeing. Eric is teaching at a teachers institute all week, so the kids and I have grand adventures during the day while he teaches, then we meet for evening adventures after that. It has been fun but not too relaxing...the kids just want to go and go and go!
So, now you are caught up. If anyone has any good job ideas...I'll be looking!!
On the one hand, I knew in my heart it was done and I was done and the dream that was the shop was turning into more of a nightmare.
On the other hand, I wonder if I really tried everything, explored every avenue, gave it my all completely because it was so close to making it.
On one hand I will be thrilled to be bringing in money instead of continuing to throw money at the shop.
On the other hand, I have no idea what I am going to do to make that money!
On one hand I am excited about the possibilities of exploring something new,
On the other hand, I have NO idea what I want to do and worry that nothing will come along.
The next few weeks will be crazy. We are on vacation right now, which is good and bad. Good because after I announced the closing, I headed out of town and didn't have to deal with the fall out. But, I am still getting calls and thinking about all that needs to be done. It just sits constantly at the back of my mind. SO while being away and busy has been good, I can't totally escape. Next week, the shop will be closed all week and I will prep it for the final sales. There are two people who are interested in buying it if they can get the financing. That has lots of "on one hand" and "on the other hand" as well. IF that happens, then I really am just about done. And now what? looms pretty big on the horizon. Yieks.
Otherwise, the kids are doing great. We are in Duluth and they are loving the big lake and rock throwing and sightseeing. Eric is teaching at a teachers institute all week, so the kids and I have grand adventures during the day while he teaches, then we meet for evening adventures after that. It has been fun but not too relaxing...the kids just want to go and go and go!
So, now you are caught up. If anyone has any good job ideas...I'll be looking!!
Friday, July 10, 2009
One Year Ago
A year ago today, we officially became Sunshine's parents in the eyes of the Ethiopian Courts. I remember that day so well and being soo excited to finally share her picture with friends and family! There are so many points along the journey that are worth celebrating, but this one is certainly a biggie! She has changed so much from that little scared, malnourished baby who's eyes showed just a little glimmer of her spunky spirit. Now her eyes sparkle all the time, she sings, and dances and attacks each day with gusto.
It is days like today where I grieve for all she left behind. I ache for those that loved her and made such hard choices for her. And I am soo lucky and thankful they made the choices they did.
It is days like today where I grieve for all she left behind. I ache for those that loved her and made such hard choices for her. And I am soo lucky and thankful they made the choices they did.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Cha Cha Cha Changes....
Yep, there are some changes on the horizon. Can't really go into detail at the moment, but said changes have given me pause to catch my breath, and get excited for possibilities to come (and NO we are not pregnant, adopting again or adding any more mammals to our brood!) I promise more info will come, but keep us in your thoughts as changes are always interesting!
So far July has found us pondering house projects, but not necessarily accomplishing them. We have grand ideas, but the days just seem to get away from us! I did manage to get the boys room done complete with new bunk beds and at least 2 hefty bags of treasures removed! The goal for today is to tackle the toys belonging to the princess. Her birthday is in just a few short weeks and needless to say, the baby toys are no longer needed as she is on to much bigger and better things like baby dolls and shopping carts. So time to sort and pass down, and give away, to make room for more treasures!
The boys continue to thrive. J may eat us out of house and home. He is a sleeping, eating machine right now. I live in fear of him waking up taller than I some morning...not a totally unrealistic fear at that!
So for the moment, that's the story and I am sticking to it. I will feed you more info on changes as they come...just keep us in your thoughts!
So far July has found us pondering house projects, but not necessarily accomplishing them. We have grand ideas, but the days just seem to get away from us! I did manage to get the boys room done complete with new bunk beds and at least 2 hefty bags of treasures removed! The goal for today is to tackle the toys belonging to the princess. Her birthday is in just a few short weeks and needless to say, the baby toys are no longer needed as she is on to much bigger and better things like baby dolls and shopping carts. So time to sort and pass down, and give away, to make room for more treasures!
The boys continue to thrive. J may eat us out of house and home. He is a sleeping, eating machine right now. I live in fear of him waking up taller than I some morning...not a totally unrealistic fear at that!
So for the moment, that's the story and I am sticking to it. I will feed you more info on changes as they come...just keep us in your thoughts!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The JC Penney Pose!
Summer Time
Summer is in full swing. It's hot, it's muggy, the kids are happy, and I get late evenings reading alone on the porch! It's all good. June has slipped by so fast. Our time at the lake was wonderful. (I am typing from work today, but I promise to post pics from the lake soon!) Little Miss LOVED being on the boat and even tolerated hours long fishing journeys. As long as she had some juice, an empty bottle of diet coke and a few snacks, she was good to go. She assisted mama in catching 129 fish over the course of 6 days. It was great fun. She loved the lake, and dumping and pouring water and sand for hours on end. It was wonderful to be away from it all and able to take a true break and have time to think, relax, ponder, and refresh. Someday, we will have a lake place. Give me a lake with loons calling across it's shores and I am at peace!
We hauled back from the lake on Friday night in time to go to the Ethiopian Mehaber picnic on Sunday. It was a fun day and a chance to see some of our best friends in the adoption community. Last year we traveled with Sunshine's picture, but no girl. The best part was meeting up with the Petersons whom we traveled with and watching the girls hug and play. They traveled their journeys together and although they are so young, I think they really do have a very special connection. It was a great day.
Once back from the cities, we unpacked a weeks worth of laundry and gear and then packed dad out for a week of workshop teaching. Nana moved in for a few days and appropriately spoiled all of us!
Now it is almost July! How did we get to July already? I think the rest of the summer will speed by as well. The list of projects continues, and there might be some changes afoot. We have a few more mini trips on the horizon and lots of family pool time!
Sunshine turns two in less than a month. Wow. She really has flipped from baby to kiddo. She is funny and sassy and actually has some dimples on her thighs! Such a wonderful sight! She is such a loving, happy child. I still can't believe she is my daughter. What a gift to be given!
Okay, time to get back to work for a bit. I will try to get pictures up yet this weekend and keep you posted on all that is happening in the land of sweetpeas and sunshine!
We hauled back from the lake on Friday night in time to go to the Ethiopian Mehaber picnic on Sunday. It was a fun day and a chance to see some of our best friends in the adoption community. Last year we traveled with Sunshine's picture, but no girl. The best part was meeting up with the Petersons whom we traveled with and watching the girls hug and play. They traveled their journeys together and although they are so young, I think they really do have a very special connection. It was a great day.
Once back from the cities, we unpacked a weeks worth of laundry and gear and then packed dad out for a week of workshop teaching. Nana moved in for a few days and appropriately spoiled all of us!
Now it is almost July! How did we get to July already? I think the rest of the summer will speed by as well. The list of projects continues, and there might be some changes afoot. We have a few more mini trips on the horizon and lots of family pool time!
Sunshine turns two in less than a month. Wow. She really has flipped from baby to kiddo. She is funny and sassy and actually has some dimples on her thighs! Such a wonderful sight! She is such a loving, happy child. I still can't believe she is my daughter. What a gift to be given!
Okay, time to get back to work for a bit. I will try to get pictures up yet this weekend and keep you posted on all that is happening in the land of sweetpeas and sunshine!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Schools out for Summer!!
It's officially summer in our world. School got out on Thursday afternoon. I now have a 6th grader, a 4th grader and a 1st grader! (and a princess who thinks she is 1 going on 16!) Wow. The year went by so very fast. I can't believe how much the kids have grown. J-dog is not too far from seeing the top of my head, and Mr B is getting to long and solid for me to comfortably carry. It goes too darn fast.
So what does summer hold?
It's almost time for a week at the lake with the grandparents and cousins...then home for some much needed house projects, pool time and baseball games. We were set to do 4 nights a week of baseball...t-ball on M/W and baseball for the bigger boys Tu/Thurs. However, biggest boy fell the second night of practice and broke his elbow. OUCH! He is in a sling at the moment, with hopes to have it off by the time we head to the lake in a week. Poor kid. I guess it was a career ending injury. Good thing we won't miss out on the opportunity to see baseball games, still have 4 nights of games a week, just not running so much in between! We are hoping for a week on the North Shore and lots of little family outings here and there. All in all, it should be a good summer.
I have to put in more hours at work over the summer. Dad is home so he gets kid duty. I am already missing my one on one with Miss Sassy. She and I have been joined at the hip since she came home, now she will be with daddy 10-3 everyday. As nice as it will be to actually get some work done, I will really miss having her at the shop. I don't think daddy realizes how busy she is. He has a list a mile long of all he hopes to accomplish this summer. I think top of his list will be chase Miss Sassy. She has a mind and a will all her own, and she just goes and goes and goes! Gotta love it! Can't wait to see what really gets done.
I promise to upload some pics soon. We are having picture issues with the computer at the moment, so it may be a bit.
Three cheers for summer!
So what does summer hold?
It's almost time for a week at the lake with the grandparents and cousins...then home for some much needed house projects, pool time and baseball games. We were set to do 4 nights a week of baseball...t-ball on M/W and baseball for the bigger boys Tu/Thurs. However, biggest boy fell the second night of practice and broke his elbow. OUCH! He is in a sling at the moment, with hopes to have it off by the time we head to the lake in a week. Poor kid. I guess it was a career ending injury. Good thing we won't miss out on the opportunity to see baseball games, still have 4 nights of games a week, just not running so much in between! We are hoping for a week on the North Shore and lots of little family outings here and there. All in all, it should be a good summer.
I have to put in more hours at work over the summer. Dad is home so he gets kid duty. I am already missing my one on one with Miss Sassy. She and I have been joined at the hip since she came home, now she will be with daddy 10-3 everyday. As nice as it will be to actually get some work done, I will really miss having her at the shop. I don't think daddy realizes how busy she is. He has a list a mile long of all he hopes to accomplish this summer. I think top of his list will be chase Miss Sassy. She has a mind and a will all her own, and she just goes and goes and goes! Gotta love it! Can't wait to see what really gets done.
I promise to upload some pics soon. We are having picture issues with the computer at the moment, so it may be a bit.
Three cheers for summer!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Nice to be Missed!
So it is nice to know that I have been missed in the blogosphere! My writing time should improve now as there are only 4 days left of school and I will be going to work with out my pint-sized helper. This means more concentrated computer time is available!!
Our big news of the week is an elbow fracture. The oldest fell at baseball on Tuesday and fractured the tip of the elbow. He is in a sling for 10 days with the plan to re-xray at that time. Talk about a huge bummer. He is taking it pretty well and just prays it is all healed by vacation to the lake time!
As for Miss Sassy, we are having some bed time issues. If she naps, which she still does need, she won't go to bed. She was up until 11 last night, enjoying Jay Leno's farewell episode. Not so nice for mom and dad who were ready to sleep! Any pointers???
Well, off to make pancakes and sausage. If ya hurry you can come and share some too!
:)
Our big news of the week is an elbow fracture. The oldest fell at baseball on Tuesday and fractured the tip of the elbow. He is in a sling for 10 days with the plan to re-xray at that time. Talk about a huge bummer. He is taking it pretty well and just prays it is all healed by vacation to the lake time!
As for Miss Sassy, we are having some bed time issues. If she naps, which she still does need, she won't go to bed. She was up until 11 last night, enjoying Jay Leno's farewell episode. Not so nice for mom and dad who were ready to sleep! Any pointers???
Well, off to make pancakes and sausage. If ya hurry you can come and share some too!
:)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Referral-versary
Today I am giddy. One year ago this afternoon, we finally got a face, a name and a story that would become our own. One year ago today, I laid eyes on my sweet, sweet daughter and the pain of the wait exploded into pure joy. I so vividly remember getting the call, hearing her name, beginning to grasp her story. The moment her picture appeared on my computer screen, it truly was love at first sight. I remember thinking, as I stared at the picture, how much I wanted to see a smile in her sad little eyes, and a little chub on her cheeks. I loved her with a fierce, mama bear kind of love from the get go, and over the last year that love has grown deeper than I could have ever imagined.
So how is my sweet sunshine...one year into the journey? She is wonderful. She is happy, healthy, well adjusted, hilarious, queen bee, songbird, giggle monster, and the worlds best snuggler. My mornings start with "MAMMMAHHHHH" and a huge grin and a hug and a kiss. Each morning it's almost like she can't quite believe we are still here for her. She chases her brothers and picks the cats up by the tummy. She loves to put on a dress and be "pretty, pretty, pretty" and have her toe-nails painted like moms. She LOVES her dad and her brothers and knows her way around a sandbox full of boys. She has a sneaky side, but likes getting caught almost as much as creating mischief and the dimples she sports on each cheek can make a grown man cry. She loves to dance and to sing and she has a tenacity that amazes me.
Many nights during the wait, I imagined this child and how she would fit into our family. I dreamed grand dreams and created rosy visions. I can honestly say it is so much better than I ever even dreamed it could be. This child, who traveled so far and endured so much, has completed me. Completed my family, completed my heart. I thank God for her and the joy she brings. She truly is my sunshine!
So how is my sweet sunshine...one year into the journey? She is wonderful. She is happy, healthy, well adjusted, hilarious, queen bee, songbird, giggle monster, and the worlds best snuggler. My mornings start with "MAMMMAHHHHH" and a huge grin and a hug and a kiss. Each morning it's almost like she can't quite believe we are still here for her. She chases her brothers and picks the cats up by the tummy. She loves to put on a dress and be "pretty, pretty, pretty" and have her toe-nails painted like moms. She LOVES her dad and her brothers and knows her way around a sandbox full of boys. She has a sneaky side, but likes getting caught almost as much as creating mischief and the dimples she sports on each cheek can make a grown man cry. She loves to dance and to sing and she has a tenacity that amazes me.
Many nights during the wait, I imagined this child and how she would fit into our family. I dreamed grand dreams and created rosy visions. I can honestly say it is so much better than I ever even dreamed it could be. This child, who traveled so far and endured so much, has completed me. Completed my family, completed my heart. I thank God for her and the joy she brings. She truly is my sunshine!
Monday, March 30, 2009
It's a March Monday
Yep...been a while since I last blogged. We have had every germ and illness found in this city, running through our house since about the first week in Feb. I was sooo sick of sick kids. I truly had someone home sick every day for the 3 weeks. Talk about putting a kink in the daily grind! YIEKS! I am so pleased to say that everyone is now back at school and except for Sunshine's ever present snotty nose, we are back in the saddle again! Thank God!
It has been an intense couple of weeks. A time in my life that I wish I had super powers and could be in multiple places at once. I needed to be at the shop, needed to be at home, wanted to run away by myself and leave the circus! This motherhood buisness is the worlds most tricky balancing act. So many times I feel like I have fallen off the wire and wonder what in the world will catch me. I can't wait for true spring to arrive, warm days, warm nights, with time to hopefully catch my breath.
I was reflecting on life over the last 4 years. Each year has brought some huge change. There was re-locating the shop, moving to the new house, beginning the adoption journey and moving the shop again. Now the shop is settled, we have completed our family, we are NEVER moving...so I am really hoping we can just slow down a tiny bit and settle into the status quo!
Sunshine continues to thrive. She is growing like a weed and is soo funny. She is a total stinker and has a look that puts fear in my heart as I imagine that look in about 10 years! She continues to LOVE her brothers, her cats, her dogs and lately her books. I have Brown Bear memorized and have been know to recite it in the wee small hours of the morning! She still isn't a good sleeper, but I am hopefull that might change post surgery. She is turning into a real girly girl and loves her pretties and purses and babies! (Yay!) SHe is constant motion, and usually has us wrapped around her finger! At the moment we are looking for the perfect Easter Dress. Ahhh o many choices!
Time to go reclaim the brothers from school. I would promise to blog more often...but lets be realistic...it is a rare day the stars line up long enough for me to compose my thoughts let alone type them out :)!
It has been an intense couple of weeks. A time in my life that I wish I had super powers and could be in multiple places at once. I needed to be at the shop, needed to be at home, wanted to run away by myself and leave the circus! This motherhood buisness is the worlds most tricky balancing act. So many times I feel like I have fallen off the wire and wonder what in the world will catch me. I can't wait for true spring to arrive, warm days, warm nights, with time to hopefully catch my breath.
I was reflecting on life over the last 4 years. Each year has brought some huge change. There was re-locating the shop, moving to the new house, beginning the adoption journey and moving the shop again. Now the shop is settled, we have completed our family, we are NEVER moving...so I am really hoping we can just slow down a tiny bit and settle into the status quo!
Sunshine continues to thrive. She is growing like a weed and is soo funny. She is a total stinker and has a look that puts fear in my heart as I imagine that look in about 10 years! She continues to LOVE her brothers, her cats, her dogs and lately her books. I have Brown Bear memorized and have been know to recite it in the wee small hours of the morning! She still isn't a good sleeper, but I am hopefull that might change post surgery. She is turning into a real girly girl and loves her pretties and purses and babies! (Yay!) SHe is constant motion, and usually has us wrapped around her finger! At the moment we are looking for the perfect Easter Dress. Ahhh o many choices!
Time to go reclaim the brothers from school. I would promise to blog more often...but lets be realistic...it is a rare day the stars line up long enough for me to compose my thoughts let alone type them out :)!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pictures, updates, and adenoids
Little Miss Sunshine!!
So I have been a little bit crazy, no time to type on the computer when you are chasing a VERY active 19month old tsumani...the cutest little whirlwind to grace the earth I am sure! Life is going at a warp speed and I am loving every minute of it. I was reading old blog posts the other night and thinking about how unsettled and unsure I was about this quest to find my daughter...and now 1 year later, life is grand and she is such an amazingly wonderful part of my life. At 19 months her fav word is "yep" and we rarely hear "no" unless she is into something she knows she shouldn't be, then she scolds herslef with a "no,no,no" complete with finger shake ala mama! This doesn't stop her, but it makes us laugh! She is a mountain goat and can all too often be found scaling the dining room table or the kitchen stool...curiosity is her MO.
Two weeks ago, we had the wonderful chance to meet up with the Peterson's in the Dells. We all traveled to ET togther and it was so fun to see how much the girls have grown and to spend time together. I wanted to post pics of the girls together, but they all turned out with one looking the wrong way etc etc...but here are a few of the gang
A great time was had by all.
Little Miss SUnshine continues to have green snot and a nasty cough...this has been going on since we got home. So today was a trip to the ENT who decided a little surgery is in order. April 16th, she will lose her adenoids, tonsills, and maybe get a tube or two. We are anxious to get her healthy and hope this does the trick. I hate to think of surgery, but it has gone on long enough and is affecting her sleep, our sleep, her growth etc. Time to get healthy once and for all!
Well, that is all for now...I will try to post more often, I do miss it. Enjoy the pics!
Little Miss SUnshine continues to have green snot and a nasty cough...this has been going on since we got home. So today was a trip to the ENT who decided a little surgery is in order. April 16th, she will lose her adenoids, tonsills, and maybe get a tube or two. We are anxious to get her healthy and hope this does the trick. I hate to think of surgery, but it has gone on long enough and is affecting her sleep, our sleep, her growth etc. Time to get healthy once and for all!
Well, that is all for now...I will try to post more often, I do miss it. Enjoy the pics!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Ode to Diet Coke
So my daughter has discovered Diet Coke. I really didn't introduce her to it on purpose...she found it all by herself. It all started with an almost empty bottle that she carried around and inhaled the vapors from. Then she found my glass and took her first sweet sip. She was a goner! She truly screamed at me when I took it away from her. Ahh the love. I knew I loved this girl with all my heart...this is just a little extra sweet icing on the top!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Bad Blogger!
Okay, so I am a bad blogger! I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last posted. I guess it is a sign of how truly nuts life is right now.
Little Miss is thriving. Although we are sick AGAIN with green boogies and a horrible cough. This time the whole house has it, so I am biding my time before I put her back on antibiotics...we'll see if her body can kick it. We have an appointment with an ENT in a few weeks and I will be anxious to see where that takes us. I am guessing her adenoids need to come out. Won't that be fun! She is such a little trooper and just keeps on keepin on even when she doesn't feel great. I am a little nervous to think about how busy she might be when she feels 100%!
Her current loves are her brothers, the kitties, animal crackers, dancing, and carrying things around the house or the shop. We have settled into our days at the boutique. She is the resident greeter and welcomes everyone with a "hi". She is not shy, but is quick to return to my side if they start talking to her! She is so funny and is getting really good at displays (not nec. a positive thing!)
I am coping with four kids, a retail business in the midst of a recession, a big dirty house, and all the extra's that seem to fall onto my plate. I have found that getting up at 5:15 and walking for 45 min helps my outlook and as long as there is a steady stream of Diet Coke I can hold my own. I had totally forgotten how VERY busy this stage of parenting is. Yowzers. We were thinking about putting Meron in day care one day a week, but given how sick she gets, we may have to pass on that until fall. I just want her to have a healthy week or two, not on antibiotics! Not so much to ask I don't think!
Well, it is time to start the day...pack lunches, diapers, and the like and head off to work. I will try to post more often...I miss the chance to write about the inane and the wonderful!
Here are a few pics to tied you all over till I get back in the saddle!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Still Alive
Yes, I am still alive. Life has taken over...the computer is now pretty low on the priority list! I am moving my boutique to a new location and have spent the better part of the last few weeks running from dawn to dusk and collapsing into bed! Not to mention still being mom, zoo keeper, chief cook and bottle washer etc. I could use about 3 of me right now!
Miss Sassy Spice is 18 months old already. She is so incredibly wonderful, spunky, sparkly, challenging and wholly toddler! She is right on track developmentally and is now weighing in at 24 lbs and is 30 inches long. She is cruising through clothing sizes like crazy. My little peanut that fit into 6-9 month clothes is now busting out of her 18 month sizes! She is walking and starting to talk as well. She took her first big tumble the other night, off a dining room chair. She has a nice bruise and cut by her eye. Poor baby...but she was right back up on that chair the next morning...I think there may be a wee bit of stubborness in this girl! We are still dealing with sinus issues. She is fine if she is on meds, but off them for more than a week and we are back to green snot etc. We hope to get into the ENT soon and see what he says. We are praying it is not allergy related as the pet list now consists of 3 cats, 2 dogs, 7 hamsters (chubby hamsters can produce a lot of babies...amazing!) 2 gecko's and a fish. Yieks! Otherwise, this girl just continues to amaze me...she is soo loving and cuddly and just melts my heart (which is good up here in the north country!)
So there ya go. Life is good, full to overflowing, and random...but never dull!
Miss Sassy Spice is 18 months old already. She is so incredibly wonderful, spunky, sparkly, challenging and wholly toddler! She is right on track developmentally and is now weighing in at 24 lbs and is 30 inches long. She is cruising through clothing sizes like crazy. My little peanut that fit into 6-9 month clothes is now busting out of her 18 month sizes! She is walking and starting to talk as well. She took her first big tumble the other night, off a dining room chair. She has a nice bruise and cut by her eye. Poor baby...but she was right back up on that chair the next morning...I think there may be a wee bit of stubborness in this girl! We are still dealing with sinus issues. She is fine if she is on meds, but off them for more than a week and we are back to green snot etc. We hope to get into the ENT soon and see what he says. We are praying it is not allergy related as the pet list now consists of 3 cats, 2 dogs, 7 hamsters (chubby hamsters can produce a lot of babies...amazing!) 2 gecko's and a fish. Yieks! Otherwise, this girl just continues to amaze me...she is soo loving and cuddly and just melts my heart (which is good up here in the north country!)
So there ya go. Life is good, full to overflowing, and random...but never dull!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Over Run by 11 year olds
As I sit here and type this, there is a Nerf Vulcan war being waged between the basement and the living room...it is 10 pm and I am not sure if there is sleep in my future or not. My baby is 11 today and we are having a slumber party for a few buddies. I think I am on the brink of a whole new style of parenting...the can we watch a PG 13 movie? Can I get the T rated video game? So big, and yet still so small! It is a little crazy to have two extremes going on in my house. One in diapers, the other needing deodorant...crazy to think about.
Tomorrow we get to start painting at the shop's new location. I am hoping for a little sleep so I can have some energy to paint tomorrow! Little one has a stuffy nose yet again. I am starting to fear it could be allergies, which in our household of critters could be bad news. Hopefully she will sleep tonight, but I guess if she does get up, we'll just send her down to the slumber party!
Okay, must get off the computer and make some pizza rolls and motz sticks. I am such a good momma!!
Tomorrow we get to start painting at the shop's new location. I am hoping for a little sleep so I can have some energy to paint tomorrow! Little one has a stuffy nose yet again. I am starting to fear it could be allergies, which in our household of critters could be bad news. Hopefully she will sleep tonight, but I guess if she does get up, we'll just send her down to the slumber party!
Okay, must get off the computer and make some pizza rolls and motz sticks. I am such a good momma!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Too Cold to Go To School
You know it's bad when they cancel school the night before because it is going to be too cold to go to school in the morning. Yieks! We are already at -17 and headed to about -24 and that is straight temp without the windchill...that takes you down to about -40. Boy I sure do love living in Minnesota.
We have had quite a week. Miss Sunshine is cutting two bottom teeth and is quite a bear. Mom had the tummy flu for two days and was totally out of commission (and that is NEVER good) The shop closes on Sat so we can move to our new digs, it's finals week for hubby and my baby turns 11 on Friday. YIEKS and YIEKS once again. So a day of being home might not be all bad...the kids have had it pretty easy this week. School called early on Mon for a blizzard, late start Tuesday for the teachers...maganged to go all day today, now no school tomorrow...ahh the life of a student!
I "did" Sunshines hair for the first time tonight. She has such tight little curls that when I combed it out, I was amazed how much it has grown! She has 4 little puffs in. I tried to take a pic, but the camera died. If she hasn't figured out how to pull them out by tomorrow, I will post a pic. For now, I am heading to bed...fully dressed in my long johns, sweats, and socks with a down comforter, and an extra blanket or two. Then I may try to con at least one child to hop in as well as a dog and a kitten or two. It is WAY beyond a three dog night!!
We have had quite a week. Miss Sunshine is cutting two bottom teeth and is quite a bear. Mom had the tummy flu for two days and was totally out of commission (and that is NEVER good) The shop closes on Sat so we can move to our new digs, it's finals week for hubby and my baby turns 11 on Friday. YIEKS and YIEKS once again. So a day of being home might not be all bad...the kids have had it pretty easy this week. School called early on Mon for a blizzard, late start Tuesday for the teachers...maganged to go all day today, now no school tomorrow...ahh the life of a student!
I "did" Sunshines hair for the first time tonight. She has such tight little curls that when I combed it out, I was amazed how much it has grown! She has 4 little puffs in. I tried to take a pic, but the camera died. If she hasn't figured out how to pull them out by tomorrow, I will post a pic. For now, I am heading to bed...fully dressed in my long johns, sweats, and socks with a down comforter, and an extra blanket or two. Then I may try to con at least one child to hop in as well as a dog and a kitten or two. It is WAY beyond a three dog night!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Where is the time going?
Where did my baby go? Who is this little girl who is running around my house, chatting up a storm? How did she grow so much so fast? She truly amazes me, this little one. She has a spirit that just keeps giving, and a smile that can chase the clouds out of the darkest day. I just fall more and more in love!
She has been home almost 4 months and it feels like a lifetime. I can't imagine life without her. When I fall exhausted into bed at night, I marvel at how quiet and boring life was before her. (Okay, maybe not boring, but certainly missing this special little spark). I think she is realizing that this is all for real and that we are her family. I think she is doing some grieving in the wee small hours of the morning. We are getting lots and lots of tears at about 1 am and she wants full body contact, to be swaddled, and rocked and held tight. It was driving me crazy until I figured out that she must be doing her grieving. Now it makes sense and I am more than happy to love her through it.
I ache for her ET family. The days where her smile truly brings tears to my eyes, I ache that they don't know her. I ache that their memory of her is as a malnourished, frightened little baby. I ache that they do not see the sparkle in her eye or hear the music in her giggles. We just finished our 3 month post placement report. We sent pictures and the SW wrote a report. It reminded me of sending her her package, way back when we got her referral. I wanted to send so much love in those pictures and words. To let the staff in ET and hopefully her family know that she is thriving, that she is loved, and that she is happy.
I am blessed, blessed beyond measure...and thank God for this most amazing little gift.
She has been home almost 4 months and it feels like a lifetime. I can't imagine life without her. When I fall exhausted into bed at night, I marvel at how quiet and boring life was before her. (Okay, maybe not boring, but certainly missing this special little spark). I think she is realizing that this is all for real and that we are her family. I think she is doing some grieving in the wee small hours of the morning. We are getting lots and lots of tears at about 1 am and she wants full body contact, to be swaddled, and rocked and held tight. It was driving me crazy until I figured out that she must be doing her grieving. Now it makes sense and I am more than happy to love her through it.
I ache for her ET family. The days where her smile truly brings tears to my eyes, I ache that they don't know her. I ache that their memory of her is as a malnourished, frightened little baby. I ache that they do not see the sparkle in her eye or hear the music in her giggles. We just finished our 3 month post placement report. We sent pictures and the SW wrote a report. It reminded me of sending her her package, way back when we got her referral. I wanted to send so much love in those pictures and words. To let the staff in ET and hopefully her family know that she is thriving, that she is loved, and that she is happy.
I am blessed, blessed beyond measure...and thank God for this most amazing little gift.
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