BOOM-BOOM!

We have noticed something everytime we have a bad thunderstorm...Andrew is extremely frightened. He has severe anxiety at bedtime when he hears the "boom-boom" outside. He is almost tearful when we insist for him to go to bed. Well, last night we had another terrible storm. Ben and I were afraid he would be awakened by the loud thundering and bright lightening so we put him in our bed with us. Then I thought, what if Diego is wakened and gets frightened because Andrew is not in the room with him, so we brought him in the room, too...and then I thought...well, why not put one more in the bed, too...Tatiana, Andrew, and Diego all slept with us last night because of the "Boom - Boom." It was funny...and tiresome, because they move alot in their sleep!

So, why is Andrew so scared of thunderstorms? We still don't know...could have been his real early years when he lived with his birth mom, or could be because most people in the poorer parts of Colombia do not have windows in their homes...I don't know...I try to ease their anxieties and ask the children to pray and sometimes pray with them. I try to get them to pray first to teach them that they can call on God themselves when they are frightened and Mami or Papi are not around. If they are unsure or don't, I usually do, and that does seem to calm them a bit. I have also told them that I am reminded of Tia Shanda and Jesus in heaven partying when I hear thunder and lightening...they must be dancing around and celebrating with fireworks again!!! Now, I don't know how much fireworks there will be in heaven, but I am sure there will be some divine partying going on...and I know my sister is praising and dancing before her Lord...and that helps Mami...

Anyways, if any of my fellow Colombian blogging friends have any insight in the anxieties related to sounds of thunderstorms...please comment. Thanks!

D - I - G - O

D - I - E - G - O, D - I - E - G - O

Diego is his name-O!

Diego has started saying his name! Not sure if you guys remember, but I have mentioned on posts of the past that Diego for some unknown reason would never say his name. We didn't know if it was because his two siblings would always answer for him before he would...Well, this past week he has been saying his name!!! It sounds more like "A-Go!" But he's had problems saying Mama and Papa, too...initially saying, "Ama and Apa"--now, he is pronouncing it appropriately. So, we know he will eventually be able to say Diego clearly! Right now, we are just dancing in circles, because he's saying it!

Ben has been singing the bingo song to him using his name to help teach him how to spell it. He leaves out the "E" and says D - I - G - O. And then usually tells himself, "Good job!" It is cute! Tatiana and Andrew also have learned to spell his name.

Holiday Details!

"My turn to read Mami, my turn!"

Diego praying. Precious, we must get this on video!

He also regularly prays for our other Colombian friends, Isaac Diego & Nataly!

"Tatiana, what gift can you give God this year?"

As mentioned in previous posts, we read Scripture each night and lit the menora and ended on Christmas day...with the Christmas story and putting the nativity scene together. We also asked the children--"What can you give Jesus this year?" We discussed things that we could do for God and how to show thanks for the things given to us...(presents).


The children each had 2 presents from us and then 1 present given to all of them from us- real simple. I also made them a drum set out of empty boxes (you can see in previous posts).


We ate "Chicken and Dressing," green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and apple cobbler and/or Jesus' Birthday Cake. And what is real remarkable--I cooked most of it!!! To avoid being misleading let me clarify- the chicken was chicken nuggets (white ribbed meat, mind you!) and the dressing was in a frozen section of Family Foods that only requires warming up! The green beans out of the can with butter & spices; I can't take the credit for the potatoes or rolls...but nevertheless, it was great! It was OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS as a family! Ben also had apple cider warming over the stove throughout the day...


We ended our night in the living room reading scripture and praying. It was a good day!
Season's Greetings everyone!

Do we "Live to Eat" or "Eat to Live" ?

From the movie Over the Edge - "Food, Food, Food... for humans, enough is never enough!"

We can learn a lot from children movies...

Today is the first day that I officially start Weight Watchers, AGAIN! I am actually a lifetime member of WW. I first started WW about 3 years ago, and successfully lost about 18 lbs. I have gained almost all of that (15 lbs) back, since I have stopped going to the meetings. The accountability factor is huge...Well, I have started WW Online, and used practically all my free points for the week on yesterday's meals! While that could be depressing, I am trying to remain positive and just intake all my required fluids & fruits!

I have added the WW link on the sidebar for anyone interested. Will keep you posted...wondering if any other adopted moms struggled with this...I have found myself snacking when the kids snack, trying foods when cooking-which, honestly I don't do that much, but a lot more than before; pre-adoption--I was the Microwave Queen! I ate the WW & Lean Cuisine Meals, and Ben usually cooked for himself...with his job, he has a lot of "eating-meetings" and so, "dieting" can be difficult...

Well, now, the eating-meetings have been cut in-half as we like to eat at home with our children at night. We have also cut out a lot of our dining out during the week! (Which requires more cooking at home! BUT we save needed moo-la!) We are still exploring places that "KIDS EAT FREE" and have only found a few... People often say that they are surprised at how we might could gain weight and that they would keep us so busy...Well, indeed they have kept us busy! So busy, we've been exhausted! Anyways, after so many in our family and circle of friends have encountered health problems related to diabetes, heart, and weight, in general...we want to be conscientious of our eating habits and what we teach our children.

Ok, time for healthy snack #1 (small orange + 16 oz. Dasani). Diego & Andrew- orange and apple slices!

Merry Christmas!

Our first Christmas!!! We had fun, it was really simple, and I even cooked! More details to come later...

Merry Christmas!

The heartbeat of God...

The children have been fascinated by drums, and love to watch their god parents perform! G-Papi plays drums while G-Mami sings lead vocal for Orphan Soul. They often mimic them when listening to music at the house or in the car. From time to time, the kids are found trying to make a beat on the coffee table or back of a chair...

and I stumbled on this fabulous idea on Family Fun on creating your own set of drums using boxes! I started collecting boxes at work, and covered them with wrapping paper and created a cool set of drums for the corner of our living room (even with a cymbal and "shakers"-I'm sure their is a name to these musical instruments).

The kids liked making music. They would sing "hallelujah"--more like- SHOUT- hallelujah as they beat on the boxes! We got some of it on video!

I'm not sure how long the boxes will endure the beating, but makes for great entertainment!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

This week we are celebrating the birth of Christ. We have been lighting the menora, reading Scriptures, and talking about the story of Christmas...We have adopted orphan projects as part of our gifts to Jesus. Today, we celebrated with a birthday cake. Andrew said, "Mami, I like cake!"

What's missing in CH--CH?

U - R

Today, after Church I had the kids pose on top of the big sign in front of our Church! If you are in the area and do not have a Church home, we would love for you to come visit!

Worship Center

4502 Shortcut Road

Pascagoula, MS 39562

Pastor Horace Vinson

Pastor Benjamin Wood

Christmas Shoes

The children are growing so fast and playing so hard they are quickly outgrowing their zapatos... One thing I can say that these children are so very grateful for their shoes! When we were first given custody of the children, they did not want to take off their shoes. Realizing we were not going to take them away from them, they began to feel more secure and would run around the room (in Colombia) barefoot. Now, from time to time, they may become fixated on their shoes, but not usually. Diego likes to run barefoot while at home in or outside the house. Andrew has learned and taught Tatiana how to slide on the floors in her socks. At any rate, the children love their new shoes!

We found some Reeboks for Tatiana for $10 at Sears. The boys were a little more costly. We bought a half to one size bigger so they could grow in them. Andrew also out grew his church shoes, so he was lucky and got 2 pair yesterday!

Thank You, God, for these little feet! I pray that You order these feet...and that they follow close after You. I thank You that they will go and preach the gospel on foreign soil and You will cover them with Your spirit. Help us to train them and guide them as You would have us to. Amen!

Unexpected Interruptions...

Life is so fast paced...we all have our own agendas. We all have our own ways of doing things. Most of us are resistant to change. When change comes, conflict usually precedes or shortly follows it. Sometimes, waiting can interrupt our plans...

Today, I had a frustrating day at work. I had planned to help do some assessments, but then was told to do something else. In my mind, I felt like it was a poor utilization of resources, but nevertheless complied. Still don't necessarily agree with it...but...

I began to read my devotional shortly after, and this is the prayer at the end:

Lord, I acknowledge that you delight to lead and guide me in ways that will bring you glory and bless others. I offer my life, my time, and my schedule to you this day. Bring those unexpected surprises, unanticipated interruptions into my life and allow me to see them for what they are: opportunities that you have brought my way. Use me this day for your glory.

I thought this was a good prayer. Next time you have an unexpected surprise or unanticipated interruption, think of what God may be trying to speak to you at this time... try to keep a positive attitude. Look at the blessings, and in all things, draw near to him.

Six Months!

It's been six months since we've been home! Our life has slightly been modified --It has been quite an adventure! We've had our ups and downs, highs and lows...and it's been fun! There have been times of joy and times of sorrow...times we've laughed and times we've cried...We wanted to share some pics with you of then and now...

Above pictures the last few days before leaving Bogota.

****************************************************************************

And below...pictures TODAY!!! Six Months Later!

There's no place like home!

Thank you God for bringing our babies home!!!

History Makers! World Changers!

Grandma & Grandpa

Ben talked with his father tonight over the phone. He lives in Minnesota. He and his wife will come down sometime in February! We are so excited that the kids will finally get to meet their "Grandma" & "Grandpa"!!! They know them by pics only...so, now they will get to meet them personally!

So far, they have met my parents, step-parents, grand-parents on both sides, and Ben's mom and his step-father. Most of Ben's other family live up north in Minnesota. We aren't able to visit often, and not since we've come home. Can you believe it's almost been six months??

Jesus loves me...

this I know...for the Bible tells me so! We were all singing in the truck on the way home from the tienda this evening. It was so sweet! and off key, but I pray it was sweet music to our Father's ears.

We also gave each of the children new Bibles today. Big, grown up bibles (no pics except the maps in the back!) with their names engraved on them. Andrew and Tatiana were really proud of them and wanted to take them to church instead of their old picture book Bibles. Diego, however, wanted his picture Bible! Tonight, though, each of them had their own Bibles (Big Bibles) and followed along as Papi read scripture. They were really good and sat still. Andrew sat in Papi's lap, and Tatiana and Diego were beside me. I tried to use my finger to show Tatiana and Diego how to follow along. They moved their fingers as Ben talked; I'm not sure how much they understood; I know they can't read the scripture, but we want to instill the principle of sitting still and reverencing God's word, and family time reading the word and praying. After we read, we prayed together. It was nice.

Tomorrow, we will add worship and lighting the menora. I will try to add pics of the children with their new Bibles! I am saving the first Bibles as it is most likely their first Bibles! Andrew was the only one who was baptized Catholic, and not much else is known of their religious if any background. We want to start early and ground them in the word. We slacked on scripture memorization, but will begin that again this week!

Well, thanks for following along...more next time!

"Me Hungry, Mami"

Usually accompanied with an eager expression... we have had the children home for almost, ALMOST six months now. We have learned a little about what they do and do not like as far as foods go.

We have found out that the info given to us in our referral packet was not totally accurate. Andrew and Diego do NOT like salad, whereas Tatiana does.

Diego will eat about anything, at least once anyways...Andrew has gotten a little more picky, especially in the morning. He chooses or requests waffles each morning over cereal. He will likes cheese toast. Sometimes cinnamon toast works. He's been a trooper about school lunches which consist of daily turkey sandwiches, chips, either cookies or fruit, and a Capri Sun/water. He does like steak and one of his faves is chicken nuggets or pollo!

Diego has started exercising the "No!" word even at the table! He eats almost anything. He is the only one who will drink sweet tea. When someone is snacking or eating and he is not, he will walk around that person not say anything, but give "the look" and then lean up against ya. It is cute...it kindof reminds me of the little boy in Colombia who nudged Ben's arms wanting his scraps.

Tatiana eats little. She has become the more adventurous one of the bunch and does a few taste tests. The boys watch for her response to determine whether or not they will try the new food. Tatiana likes chicken nuggets and papa fritas.

They all like pollo y papa fritas. They all drink water real well, but do like Sprite, too. Each of them get tummy aches when they overeat. We have tried to tell people about their diets and how a lot of the greasy food we like does not do well on their tummies...they eat a lot of fruit, and drink lots of agua! Of course, they like sugar, too! Ice cream is their favorite, but cookies and cake come in close behind! Pizza, they have acquired a taste for...and they love queso at the Mexican Restaurant, just like Mami y Papi!

Potluck & Pictionary!

Last week, Ben and I and the children hosted a Potluck and Pictionary Party at our house for a family in our church who are adopting. We didn't know what the response would be because we are in the "holiday" month, but nevertheless, we tried it.

We were limited to inviting only 10-12 families. We wanted to make it where couples, if they had children, could feel free to bring them. (So, then we wouldn't have to find a babysitter, ourselves.)

We thought, if this turned out well, and proved to be a "fun" fundraiser, then we could do it again with different families. So, that's our plan!

It was a great time! We didn't spend a lot of money, because we had people bring different foods. We only spent money on paper products, drinks, and our own casseroles (which everyone had to, as well).

So, how did we raise the money? We asked each individual or family to bring $20. If we had 10 families participate, we would at least be able to give the adopting family $200, right? If people wanted to give above that, then that was awesome. Well, some did! And we raised $245!!!

That money was given to the Fleming Family to use to bring Janet home. You can find their pics posted in an earlier entry. Please pray that someone will come forward and say they know Janet's family and will verify that her parents have died (making her available to adopt and get a birth certificate). It's gonna happen. We know this already, because this IS the desire of God's heart, but I believe God likes us to commune with him about what we would like to see sometimes...so, help us pray. Janet is 12 years old and was orphaned when her parents died in one of the Liberian wars. Thanks!

(Sorry no pics, maybe for the next party! And, if you didn't make it for this party, look for future invites, especially if you are in our area! Especially, WC Peeps!)

Holidays!

This is our first year as a family of our own during the holiday season. "Are you ready for Christmas?" People ask. "I bet you got those kids lots of things," they say. Yes, I am ready for "Christmas," but no, we are not getting them lots of presents. We want the children to know what this holiday is about. It is NOT centered around us getting stuff, but around our Lord Jesus Christ and who He is and what He has done for us. So, we want to do it different this year. We aren't doing lots of decorating and presents...It seems that many respond that we are being unfair to the children and causing them to "miss out" on things..."making a big deal" out of it; we think it IS a big deal; God has opened our eyes to what we feel is important to impart into them. We want to lift him up and teach them the real reason for the season. Not to shower ourselves with gifts, but to reach out to the poor and oppressed, the least of these extend ourselves to them in honor of Him...that IS important to us.



We will also be reading scripture and lighting the menora the week prior to Christmas. It won't actually be during the scheduled "Hanukkah" time, but shortly thereafter. I am excited about it! We plan to get the children new Bibles! This time -all the same Bible so we can read together. Their first Bibles we each got them different ones... We plan on letting the children choose an orphan project with CHI at http://www.helpanorphan.org/ too!

I look forward to the holidays with my new family! We understand that everyone doesn't see things as we do, and we respect that. In the same manner, we would hope that you would respect us too! Hoping you enjoy each and every day with your loved ones!

He saw his shadow!

I walked in his room, and I heard him talking to himself. He was saying, "I am big mucho!" He has been strengthening his muscles. It is really cute when he shows us his muscles with teeth clenched so hard...it's funny!

By the way, I forgot to mention last post, Andrew can count to fifty! He can identify and knows the sound to each letter in the alphabet, but continues to have difficulty putting the sounds together to make words. We are working on that.

He is going on his first field trip on Friday. Ben and I aren't going. I really wanted to go, but one of the teachers said they already had plenty of chaperones. Maybe next time. He is growing so quickly!

Seventeen!

Guess who can count to seventeen now?

With NO help?

DIEGO!!!

And, we have gone 3, yes, that is three nights with no pull up or wet bed!!! Good job, Diego!

Tatiana is doing great, too. She can spell her first or second name and last. (Her first name, Darly, however, she goes by Tatiana. We just started learning this one.

Andrew is great at helping. He can be an angel, and he can be really stubborn as well. We have introduced him to a few corners in the house. You would have thought I flogged the boy! or something worse! He screamed terribly when I first tried to get him to stand in one. The second and third time he had to go wasn't as bad...Tatiana, too, has visited a corner this past weekend.

Despite a few behavioral challenges, the children are great, and we are blessed!

Advent Conspiracy: What Would Jesus Buy?

This is my idea of Christmas! Worship More! Spend Less! Help More! Love More! Share Jesus More!



1 child dies every 15 seconds because they lack access to clean water. On Christmas eve 40,000 men, women, and children will likely die from diseases they received from polluted drinking water. Another 40,000 will die on Christmas day and it continues every day of the year. You could change all this.......or you could just go shopping. What would Jesus buy? www.adventconspiracy.org. www.water.cc.

A Braggin' Blog!

Motivation for Moms yesterday gave a bit of advice that all parents should heed too. Don't just assume your children know you are proud of them. Tell them. Tell them what they have done that makes you so proud! Brag on them!

Bragging on them builds them up. That is one thing I watched my sister do with her son. She bragged on Kaleb so much. She found the 10% positive in people and built on it...complimenting our children can make such a big difference!

That is what this blog is...a bit of bragging...some informational, some scriptural...but mostly how wild and crazy we are about our family, our children and our God!

So, take a moment, find a moment to tell your child how much you love them...and why! You can do that for other family members or friends, too...I think we don't slow down enough these days that we miss these opportunities...take advantage of it today! Start by telling God how you are thankful for him and what he has done for you and your family! Be blessed!

Liberia Adoption

I have a friend who is adopting a child in Liberia, Africa. The child's name is Janet. Please pray for Janet. She lives in an orphanage of about 500 chidren. They do not have running water or electricity. They may eat 2-3 times a week. Please pray that Janet have sweet dreams, good health, and days filled with laughter and joy until she can get to her forever family and have many more then, too. Ask God to speak to her heart and reveal that she, too, has been chosen! And also, protect her from anyone or thing that is meant to do her harm. Provide a spiritual covering over her.

Below is a picture of her. Pray also for the Fleming family! Their family pic is below. They adopted domestically about 5 yrs ago, Baby Breanna. She's a doll! It is most difficult at times to go on with day to day activities when you know that you have a child somewhere across the world who really needs their family...pray that God give them the wisdom in how to pray, the financial means, prepare their minds, bodies, household for what is to come...Thanks!

One Proud Mami!

Funny! Today, I had my eye exam. Our optometrist is close to our age. He asked about my glasses because I have been having problems with my contacts and the "pink eye." I said excitedly..."I have kids!" And for some reason, I decided to pause! Then, I said, "You see, we adopted...and I have three." I grabbed my purse to pull out our family photo, and his response was something like, "What? Are you crazy?" He looked at the picture, and said, "how did you do this?" Well, of course, I went into the long drawn out story, and the whole while he was gazing at my three Colombian stars! Anyways, we will set them up with an appointment in two weeks before the end of the year so we can take advantage of those benefits!

I was worried if they would understand. He said with infants/toddlers that they could look at their eyes and tell a lot without them saying anything. I thought that was interesting!

Oh yeah, the purpose of telling the doctor besides bragging---was that my glasses happened to get bent (wire-rimmed) by one of the little people...

Smiles!