Olivia!

I have a funny to share! Yesterday, Andrew came home with an expensive bottle of perfume...some chic from school gave it to him. Tonight, he tells me Olivia is his friend. It is funny the girls seem to be swooning over him! The teacher says he is one of the favorites, and several of the older students in the upper grades like to come over and assist him with his lunch. I think --how funny! Well, he's OFF LIMITS girls!!! None of that for mi hijo right now! We are going to teach our children about guarding their hearts, saving themselves, and courtship versus dating. We have already began to pray for their future spouses. So, needless to say, we sent the perfume back to school this morning...

No comprende!!! I don't understand!!!

Last night, poor Diego was adamant about whatever he was trying to tell me at bed time. He began throwing a tantrum, because I obviously did not fulfill his wishes. But, what did he want? Diego has difficulty with pronounciation, and I often have to get Tatiana and Andrew to interpret for me. But last night, even Andrew could not figure out what he was saying.

I got so frustrated, I left the room and told him to go to bed. He began screaming bloody murder, which it seems he's been doing lately to try to get his way. I put Andrew in our bed so he could try to get some sleep, and then, I went back in...and I tried to just hold him...it was then he put his little Beanie Baby Cat to my mouth that I realized he just wanted me to give his cat a kiss goodnite, too, after I had hugged and kissed him.....

I felt awful. His "kiss" doesn't sound anything like "kiss" or "iss" or anything...I really think he has some speech problem, but the school system doesn't want to test or do anything until maybe next year...I felt bad for getting frustrated...I think God used this opportunity also to remind me to slow down and be patient in moments like this...

We have been understanding each other for the most part the past few months, last night was an exception...he just wanted me to kiss his cat; how precious is that! The tantrum was uncalled for, but it sure was important to him, ey.

Zephaniah 3.17

"For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zephaniah 3.17

He sings a "a happy song" over us? Wow...us? Is that crazy? God sings over us? He's proud of us...even despite all the setbacks, wow... I've been meditating on that idea for a while now...

Tell me what you think...

Time to Play!

We stink at getting video coverage, but I love taking photos of the kids! Here are some I took this afternoon. Thought I would share a few! I know the pics are a little off center, but I should be a "Pro" by the time we adopt again!!! Ha!

What's that smell?

Today, I let the kids go out and play first time in a long while since the weather has been so crazy with rain and low temps! (Crazy for South MS or maybe me?) Anyways, once the kids came in, I put Andrew in their tub, and Tatiana in mine. I told Tatiana, "You can use Mami's soap...the girly soap, the smell good soap..." "Yeah, yeah," she said. I ran the water, gave her a rag, and then left to tend to Andrew and Diego who was getting ready to get in...had a setback with the boys, Diego wanted to get in and was already stripping, while Andrew had not finished...by the time I walked back into our bedroom, I smelled a strong aroma coming from the bathroom. My first thought, was "Dang, I bet she used a lot of that bodywash!" Thinking she just used a lot, no biggie...I chuckled when I turned the corner...that girl had emptied the bottle!!! It was the Moonlight Path body wash from Bath & Body Works, 3/4 full before Tatiana got in the tub! The conversation went something like this: "Tatiana! What happened?" "Mami! Bubbles!" "Tatiana..." It was funny...

Then, I said, "Wait, I must get the camera!"

Day One! WW

Well, I must ditto my sister's words..."I just love food!" I did okay really...used 5 of my extra 35 weekly flex points...not too bad!

BUT, listen up fellow former WW'ers!!! I found Tostitos Salsa Con Queso (yummy, yummy!) with only 2 TBSP, 40 cals, 2.5 fat, 0 fiber, 1 WW point! Yeah! I love queso! Eat that with some 100 cal chips and makes a nice snack for 3 pts! Now, if only I could find some salad dressing that wasn't "Lite" that tasted good for less than 4-5 points! Any ideas?

WW Update!

Didn't do so well with just WW Online...lost and gained my 3 lbs! So, today, me and the kids went to a meeting, and because I am a Lifetime Member, I didn't have to do a bunch of paperwork. I did do a Monthly Pass as to save some extra bucks each week! I weigh the same as I did when I started WW 3-4 years ago...so, that's not bad, right?

There is something about standing on a scale in front of someone that I think discourages me from all the "BLTs" (bites, licks, and tastes!). So, tomorrow is my official day to start. Will note the progress. No "before" pics, sorry...

Cleaning House!

Hmm...Ben is away on an Elder Retreat since Thursday. He will come back tomorrow afternoon. Cleaning the house with 3 little rambunctious ones makes it a challenge. However, tonight, I think I have found the tool! Tonight, I turned on a praise and worship CD, and we all danced a little, and the moments, I tried to catch my breath, I was able to put up some laundry, sweep, put up CD/DVDs, and more! Yea, God!

Also, later, I found a VCR tape of when Ben and the Worship Center had recorded some of their services. The children loved the song, "Trading My Sorrows!" Their other fave is "Days of Elijah"--today, I could hear Diego say the whole phrase "days of Elijah" the rest is difficult to understand, but they all looked and sounded so precious!

More Letters from the Teacher's Desk...

(This is all so new to me. A child in school and all...I can't wait to share; I know it may be bragging, but I am so proud...this is another note Andrew's teacher sent...)

"I was hoping Tatiana would be here next year! I just love seeing her and Diego in the car with Beamie, they all get so excited to see each other in the afternoons! I dont mind at all if you post my email, I find international adoption stories amazing, I never thought I would be so involved as to have a student like Andrew. I must say, the first day of school was terrifying when I met him, but ohhh how wonderful it all turned out to be! I had taken a year and half off to stay home with my babies and for some reason, i had such a strong sense that it was time to go back to work, and well when we are meant to do something, the feeling just wouldnt go away. I like to think the lord had me go back to work becasue Andrew needed me as his teacher, and since being a public school teacher will never bring me wealth, it is moments like those that make it all worth it. "

"...I have a bulletin board in my room that is called "Mrs. Forehand's family" and i have pictures of my kids and my husband (i made it becasue we all need reminders as to why we go to work each day) and the beach picture of Andrew, tatiana and Diego is also on this bulletin board. one of the kids asked me why i put it up on the board with my family and i laughed and told them, they were all a part of my family too, most parents dont realize we spend 8 hours a day with these kids, you cant help but love them and care about them as your own!"

"I am not sure how to go about getting speech for Andrew, ESL students are so new to moss point, we just have never had any. However, i do think they will tell us to wait till next year since he is just learning English, but if you want to try to get the ball rolling, i will ask our speech pathologist. Unfortunatly, Andrew is classified as ESL services and not special education so i think it is a whole different process, but i will find out. The only name in the class he cant say very well is "Kristian" isn't that funny, it is one word i am sure he hears often =). But I do work with him on pronouncing things correctly and he always seems so eager to please, he doesn't mind repeating them to me, the whole class cheers when he says things perfectly, especially when he learned their names!"

"Have a great evening!"

-Stormi Forehand

Before the party...

I let Tatiana and Andrew decide which wig I should wear...

They wanted to play in them, too!

Bunco! Party Pics!

This is for all my Bunco Party Crew! I could not get hotmail to mail all the different photos...so, thought I'd just post here!!! Hope you enjoy the funny photo editing! Those in the adoption blog world may even chuckle out of them, too!

The theme was Funky-Hair Party Nite! We also had a "traveling" bunco prize this time, and that is where anyone who got a bunco got the privilege of wearing the crown...

I'm Queen...(for the moment!)

And, then Kelly, whipped out the praying hands...

And, then there was Princess Stephanie...

The red-head! Queen Joanne.

Yeah, baby! That's right...I'm Queen of the Universe!

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo! Our day in court.

(Since the last post...) We thought we had our court date for readoption in the state of Mississippi on January 16th...BUT, then Ben gets a phone call. No, we were just needed to come to the courthouse to meet with the lawyer to sign some initial paperwork to get a petition to adopt in the court. What a bummer! Anyways, this is the low down on our situation, now. We reviewed the paperwork our lawyer wanted us to sign off on...As I looked over it, Ben pressed me to go on, go on and sign it...BUT, there were errors! I think I have an eye for documentation errors, especially when it involves our family stats, like the place and date of our marriage!!! Hello? Ben was off by 50 miles and 3 days! Then, there were errors concerning the children's birthparents' names, as well as two pages missing on what the lawyer thought was the court decree from Colombia (however, it was really the official referral from ICBF).

So, we were asked to get the corrected info back to the lawyer before this week as she was due back in this area for court this week and with that info would be able to file a motion to petition the court. So, we faxed her a copy of the court decree, along with emailing her the names of the children's birthparents.

Now, the lawyer will petition the court to grant us the adoption, but first we must place an ad in the paper for 30 days asking if there is anyone who is related to these children and who contest this adoption to come forward. Ugh, waiting more...then after that 30 days, we wait for the "official" court date! We will sit before the judge and he will make an official judgement granting the adoption in the state of Mississippi.

The lawyer stated that all this is necessary and is important as it protects us; even though, we adopted the children in Colombia, if anything were ever to break down or the courts changed their mind over there and they tried to take the children away from us, they would not be able to because we have legally re-adopted them here in the states. So, cool...let's do it! I'm ready to get all the paperwork, court, and post-placements done!

One other note: we have asked the God-parents to join us when we go to court. We hope nothing would ever happen to the both of us before the children will be able to care for themselves, before we are able to see grandchildren and greats, BUT...reality is that people die everyday. My sister never would have imagined she would have died at such a young age. She would have done things differently. But she is not here, yet she teaches me still...and I want something in place in the event that Ben and I die and the children are without parents. Greg and Mandy have vowed to us (I've asked several times- obsessive like that!) that they would take care, take custody of the children. They will make sure that family get to be involved with the children, but because of possible "hoop-la" that we don't want the children exposed to, we have elected to have a couple outside of our immediate family who we both trust, raise our children. Because of the significance of that, to us, it is important that they stand with us, in agreement, as the judged signs the final decree, that we will raise up these children to the best of our ability giving them the emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial support they need. What an "awesome" responsibility! God is so good, and He is faithful even when we are not. We pray that this re-adoption move quickly...we will post more about this once finalized!

A Letter from the Teacher's Desk...

(I got permission to post this letter from Andrew's KG teacher. I was so proud that I wanted to share with you all. Mrs. Forehand rocks! She, too, is very patient with us. It is great to have such an energetic and understanding person for our children's teacher! We are very pleased with what he has accomplished thus far...and the team at Orange Lake has made that possible! Thanks a bunch!)

Sometimes it takes me a few days to do things- I'm also a full time graduate student so i seem to have no time, but its not for too much longer! Here are a few pics from octber when we did community helpers, andrew loves to take pictures and he always looks so adorable! I knew youd want any pics i have of him! he is doing so great with his English- today he started saying Mrs. Forehand instead of "Forehand". Also, so adorable yesterday, on his writing he sounded out the word "pray" he spelled it prau, but he told me what it was and he even showed me, it was such a precious moment.

As i read through your blogs it just made me cry. you know andrew always has to share with everyone else during carpet time and he always has a story to add to what we are talking about. i have never taken what he says too seriously becasue i just thought he wanted to share like everyone else. but since the first day of school, every story he ever shared is true! He told us about how much fun he had jumping on the bed when yall came to columbia, he said he had three dogs, one was in heaven, one was big and one was little- dasy, missy, and ellie (did one bite the other and it went to the doctor?). he also told us of his aunt in heaven. And he even told us about the time you dressed up as a pregnant lady!! He is such a brilliant little guy, i cant belive he understands so well what we talk about and he understands perfectly! He is just so amazing. Everyone who comes in to the classroom and who saw him at the beggining of the year cant belive he is the same kid, but we always say the same reply "He has wonderful parents!" I look forward to seeing Andrew smile every morning! I will send ya more pics when i take them, i currently have lost my camera!

-stormi forehand

ps- something funny, i was explaining Mrs. and Mr. to andrew using your name, Mrs. Wendi, and Mr. Ben, i asked Andrew does mami call Papi Ben, Benji, or Benjamin, and he said -as if he was yelling- "Benjamin Wood!" It was hularious becasue he said it like Papi had done someting wrong and u were getting on to him, i asked if you only call him Benjamin Wood when he was in trouble, Andrew laughed and said yeah, sometimes Mami says Ben. Kindergarteners are so cute!

Withdrawals!

I feel like I have been having withdrawals!!! My computer has been down since last post; unable to keep our blog up to date...have had increased irritability, anxiety, some shakiness and chest pains...well, no, not really...BUT I sure have missed blogging. I am feeling detached from the blogosphere!

Throughout this period that I have abstained from blogging (not by choice), I have attempted to stay in touch with other fellow blog-addicts by checking in with them and leaving comments from time to time. I have even mailed myself from work of blog posts that I would like to put up when able...things I don't want to forget that have either happened to me or Ben, to the kids, or just family and friends... ...So, when you read this post, it will most likely be followed by a series of other posts documenting the above. Please indulge me and ours and share with us a glimpse into our journey as a family!

(PS, I just ate a KING size SNICKERS! I don't think that is a sign of withdrawals, but maybe poor impulse control or just, emotional eating; yikes, did I just blow my 35 Weight Watchers points!!!! ARgh!)

I've Been Tagged!

I've been Tagged by Denise. Unfortunately, I don't know how to tag someone else's blog so if you read this and you're a blogger, copy and paste it in your blog post and leave a comment so I can read your answers too!

1. What is your occupation? Licensed Professional Counselor
2. What color are your socks right now? No socks...but I like fun ones with stripes
3. What are you listening to right now? the couch squeak as my husband gets up!
4. What was the last thing you ate? queso & chips at Coco Loco, our favorite place to eat

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Maybe a blue?
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Special Olympics of MS!
8. How old are you today? 30
9. Favorite drink? Bolthouse Strawberry & Banana Fruit Smoothie!
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Hockey!
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes- black
12. Favorite reality TV show? Don't really watch a lot of "reality" shows...like the CSIs and Law & Order, like Desperate Housewives (people say that's a bad show! but I like the social/psychological dynamics), and sometimes, Nancy Grace (only in small doses!)
13. What was the last movie you watched? Over the Hedge with the Papi & 3 ninos

14. Favorite day of the year? I like to celebrate each day of the year! I am "wow'd" each day as I watch these children grow up...and see the Hand of God working in our life, but also those around us...
15. What do you do to vent anger? My husband can tell you...he usually feels the wrath

16. What was your favorite toy as a child? I liked the Gem dolls...and strawberry shortcake dolls...jacks
17. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring
18. Hugs or kisses? Not really a "huggie" person...but love hugs & kisses from the children, and Ben
19. Cherries or blueberries? Blackberries, strawberries, and peaches!
20. Do you want your friends to email you back? of course

21. Favorite dessert? Olive Garden cheescake with Blackberry drizzle
22. Who is least likely to respond? ???I don't know who might actually respond??
23. Living arrangement? Our first home...been here 6 yrs!!!
24. When was the last time you cried? The other night praying with the Yahoo girls from CHI, and then thinking of the birthmom of my children...
25. What is on the floor of your closet? Haha...I will never tell!!
26. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? Posting this to the blogosphere
27. What did you do last night? Helped Andrew with spelling words, bathed Diego, Yahoo prayer group
28. Favorite smells? Circle E Butter Rum & Bird of Paradise Candles, smell of fresh cut green grass, my sister's laundry detergent, Aunt Virginia's homemade bread!
29. What inspires you? Good preaching! My children, my sister, and Ben
30. What are you afraid of? Not being able to save for retirement or getting rid of my student loans.
31. Plain, cheese, or spicy burgers? cheese

32. Favorite breed of dog? Great Dane
33. How many years at your current job? 3, almost 4
34. Favorite day of the week? Saturday, aka laundry day, aka my day off!
35. How many states have you lived in? 3-Louisiana, California, Mississippi
36. Celebrity crush? I don't know really...who's the cute blonde with the crooked nose?
37. Ever driven a motorcycle or heavy machinery? no, but I have always wanted to drive the Zambonie at half-time during the hockey games!!!
38. Who is your favorite NFL team? None
39. Do you have a house phone that is not cordless? Yup,2, and 1 cordless
40. 10 inches of snow or 100 degree weather? 100 degree winter, and I could probably get the chills...don't like the cold weather; luckily, here on the Gulf Coast it could be considered one season year round...doesn't really get too cold! too often!

Armstrong's in Cali, Colombia

Please remember to keep our extended CHI family, the Armstrong's, in your prayers the next few weeks...as they meet their newest members of the family today!!!

Check out their blog @

www.adoptingthree.blogspot.com

Train up a child in the way he should go...

We pray that we are training our children as God would have us...to love and adore our Father in heaven, and to show others His love...and to know and share the true Gospel of Christ....

Children are mirrors! They reflect their parents...not always, but mostly....and sometimes it isn't a true reflection, but gives you an idea of what has been imparted in the child. Studying children and their behavior can give you a little idea of how someone parents and the values instilled. Because God has chosen us as parents to these wonderful children, we take this responsibility seriously, and we can say already -with joy, we are seeing some of the fruit! Thank you, Jesus!!!

The other day I said in passing to Tatiana, "You need to go and pray for Papi's owie (he was burning some cardboard and something blew up and cut his finger!)," Tatiana's reply was simply, "OK!" She left the room, and found Papi. I heard her praying, and peeped in the room and saw her with her hand on Papi's hand praying that God heal it!!!

Beamie told me the other day when Tatiana had fallen and hurt her leg...Andrew and Diego were trying to console her. Diego tried to help her up, and Andrew demanded for him to stop so he could pray for her first!!! Wow, I say!! They really do understand, yeah?

One thing I find challenging is being "free" in worship. I have a difficulty dancing around while others jump or dance. I don't mind giving God a "wave offering" or "lifting up holy hands" when worshiping or praising the Lord, but it is difficult for me to be "undignified" like David...so, how do I teach my children to be free in worship...worship like David?? Well, we started this weekend at home...dancing in the living room as we listened to worship-praise music. The children especially like the song Days of Elijah! Andrew wanted to play it over and over...how precious...(and of course, we couldn't find a tape for the video recorder!)

The other day we stopped at an intersection, and passed a guy who had a sign asking for work and food. I told the children we should pray for him. Andrew began praying for him, "no work, no food, and no toys..." It was so sweet and innocent...

Andrew also made mention on a couple different occasions of God's artwork in the sky..."pretty, Mami!" I talk about how God is a real good artist...and how he loves colors! The children look up to the heavens, and bless Him...may they do that now, and forevermore!

I have been really reading this Power of a Praying Parent...there is so much!!! So much to pray for! This woman, how did she cover it all--all in a morning!!??! It is a really good book to teach you how to pray for your children. We have tried memory verses, but have not succeeded well...we got to the letter "C"--maybe we can try that again this week.

Post-Adoption Requirements!

Post-Adoption requirements-

• 4 Post-Placement reports done at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months after you are home with your children


• Fufill State Re-adoption requirements and acquire State birth certificate

We have already completed our first post-placement. We have yet to turn in our second which was due in December; the holidays thru us off. Hopefully, we will get that completed this month.

We have our court date for re-adoption in the state of Mississippi on January 16th! We are excited about that! However, it is going to cost us about $1000 bucks. What stinks about this is that some states actually let you file for it (whatever, the technical term is) yourself, and you avoid lawyer fees, etc. Not in Mississippi! But let me tell you about my Daddy--He always provides, and I'm not talking about my earthly father...which I think he would if I came right out and asked him directly for money...BUT God knows before we do what we need; and He provides a way. Most of you know I am working a second job at the hospital, and can be very exhausting and emotionally draining, however thru helping people I was able to gross what we needed to pay for fees...now after Uncle Sam took his cut, we are just a few hundred shy, but we will have it; because my Daddy is King of the Universe! And...well, I am His Princess! And these are His children, too...I was telling someone in the adoption circle that God is not going to bring us into the desert and leave us...He will always provide for His children...usually not in ways we expect, but He is faithful! So, these are part of my Forever Blessings that await in 2008!

I can't wait to share what the Lord will do in our life this year with you, and look forward to hearing your testimonies as well! God is good!!!

it's hard to be five...

Do you remember when I posted this title before?

Andrew and I worked with his siblings doing a "family" reading fair project on Jamie Lee Curtis's book, It's Hard to be Five! Well, unfortunately, I do not have any pics yet...but we went to the next level...district, I think! We were just told over the holidays...so, will know if we go on to state soon! All the children painted the presentation board with various colors, and Andrew made some handprints on the bottom...I helped him write in the jargon to put under each topic, then I allowed him to peck away on my laptop to make them more legible and printed and pasted...It really was cute reading project. Will post pics as soon as we get it back!!!

I knew it was a beautiful song...

I emailed our interpreter in Colombia the music video previously...I knew it was a beautiful song...even when I didn't know what they were saying...well here's the translation:

Say that on having finished the earth
God hid between two seas
A treasure of emerald and fountains
Where He went down to take a nap

(I am Colombian!)

I am from there
I am from Colombia
A country of faith and coffee for heaps
That opens wide the hearts
Who discovers its beauty

From guajira to Amazonas I go barefoot
And feel on my skin the vibrations
The love and the songs of my people that give me its hug

CHORUS
This is my land, the land that gave me the life
This is the beauty of my Nation
This is Colombia, the one that I take in my heart
That I love
Show your passion

Show your passion when speaking about Colombia

I go away in the piragua of cubillos (in the piragua I go)
Vallenato on shoulder and the accordians
Like a good cumbia on the sand
And the one that raises my llanera soul

From guajira to Amazonas I go barefoot...

CHORUS

To that land that saw you to be born never stop loving it
Oh! Colombia is ours in ours is that we believe
To this land that gave us hope, gives us strength in the heart
Oh! Colombia, it's possible by the world shows your passion

CHORUS

It's a beautiful song...please listen to it again...and feel free to add it to your blog if you'd like to share with your family and friends (Carlos is attempting to find out who this music artist is...I love the sound...will let you know when I know!)

Jesus bless you!

God bless you! Loving it...Andrew has been saying "Jesus bless you" when he hears one of us sneeze around the house. Ben says he likes that better than "God bless you!" Seems more personal... the children continue to pray for one another's owies with the laying on of hands... every book is a "Bible" to them...other than their children's reading books. We have begin teaching them books of the New Testament. It is fun...and I am learning more on how to pray for the children with a book by Stormie Omartian called the Power of a Praying Parent!

Well, hoping those in the bloggin' world and other family and friends are having a great start to a brand new year! Be blessed!

Regis & Kelly Beautiful Baby Photo Contest

This is the picture I entered...look for it on their website; they will also be displaying some entries on the show!!! Wouldn't be wild to see my baby on National TV??? WOW!!! Unfortunately, Tatiana was too old to enter.

Hey all! I just found out Regis and Kelly are having a Beautiful Baby contest!

http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/contests/beautifulbabies2008/index.html



1st Prize is $125k college scholarship; there are various other prize amounts as well! I'm gonna email Diego's picture. Let me know if any blog viewers do...so I can look out for your baby's pic. Wouldn't it be cool if we could flood Regis & Kelly with a bunch of entries from the adoption community...and show off our international jewels while raising awareness for adoption, too!!!



Children can be up to age 48 months, I believe. From what I understand...the winning pic will be put on the cover of Parenting Magazine! Entries must be turned in by January 11th!

a visit to g-mami and g-papi's place...

Saturday, we went to Greg & Mandy's house after the birthday party. The children thoroughly enjoyed hangin' with Alex. They all chased each other throughout the house pretending to be vampires...they were cute! One thing--hil-ari-ous that happened...Diego had an explosion like never before...I have no idea how it happened...he went to potty, and the next thing we knew he was calling Papi! There was poopie everywhere!!! It was so funny... but G-Papi and Papi had it under control...they cleaned and sanitized the bathroom and our kiddo! G-Mami gave us a huge bag of clothes that Alex had outgrown; so, we were able to dress Diego in some more pajamas!

This is Caleb! Our children's "G-Bubbie!" (god brother)

G-Papi & G-Mami let Papi play with their new music toys...Papi couldn't keep the beat, though...G-Mami rocked the house and scored big while G-Papi

and Papi got boo'd off the stage!

Enjoy the pics!

WW Update!

Lost 3 pounds! Just 13 to go! I am prepared for this afternoon...I've got my packs of 100 cal Chocolate Chip Cookies that I am going to stash in my purse! Only 2 points! Yea! (See, I have already been distracted from that list-(below)!!!)

What to do...to do...to do...

Well, we have lots to do around here this weekend...wheee!!! I seem to get very distracted at times and not complete tasks, but begin new ones...life has been even more "scattered" here lately...we have gotten into a routine during the weekdays which is a tremendous help for the kids and us! The weekends are less structured...this afternoon we go to our first birthday party!!! Hopefully, I'll get some pics to post later!

Not that you're totally interested, but some of our to-dos, include:

• Collecting and organizing all of our adoption related receipts into ONE envelope to turn in with our W-2's.
• Go to the birthday party at 2 pm
• Write out checks for monthly bills
• Fold laundry
• Wash more laundry
• Fold more laundry
• Play a board game with the children
• Help children clean their rooms AGAIN
• Make a list of people for New Year's cards and address envelope
• Write letter to go with New Year's cards (we're a little late, we know!)
• Call my parents and grandparents; let them talk with the kids (that's really who they want to talk with now, anyways!)
• Encourage Ben to call his (he hates the "phone!")
• Cook --who am I kidding? I hate cooking! but feed the children a nutritious meal!
• Bathe children
• More laundry
• More dishes
• Sweep floors
• Bible time
• Prayer

Hmm...I am sure there are a few other things; I am sure I will get distracted and my list I won't complete...but then, there's always tomorrow...and with each new day..."there's always a new list," as my husband says!!!

Awesome Music Video!

I found this super fun video...however, I don't really know exactly what they are saying...something about Colombia? Please my Spanish-speaking friends interpret for me...I love the dancing...and the variations of music!! How fun!!!

Colombia- NOT Columbia!

It's beginning to feel like winter...

We've welcomed the new year in with two very cold hard freezes!!! The last two nights it has hit the high 20's!!! New Year's Eve we wore shorts to the beach! The weather is crazy here. Here are some pics we took while at the beach:

Andrew is wearing some cool Old Navy cargo shorts that Tio Ryan & Tia Laura sent from Minnesota! Thanks...he loves them! He likes his macho camisa, as well!

Tatiana is sporting the Old Navy peasant shirt that Tio Ryan & Tia Laura sent from Minnesota. Thank you! Also, she is clinging onto Bosco the Bunny. (Andrew's new furry friend from Build--A-Bear thanks to G-Mami & G-Papi!)

Diego clings to Mookie, his new furry friend, as he looks away from the sun...