Diego versus the BIG Tire!

We were leaving the mall, and Ben made a comment, "Wow! That tire's as big as Diego!" I thought it was a huge tire, and of course, thought it made for a goofy pic opp! It was a pretty car...(Oh, by the way, for moments like these, every mom should carry a mini digital in their purse!Haha!)

Another blog?

Well, following my online buddies, Jennifer B and Sherri, I have set up another blog expressing my thoughts, beliefs, and various other ramblings that may or may not be related to the adoption.

If you'd like to check it out, go to: www.flawedbutbeautiful.blogspot.com

So Close...

to meeting another online family who I have met thru blogging since our adoption. Many of you within our CHI circle may have noticed a comment written by Laura. For a long time, she left comments and I could never figure out who she was. I would ask other fellow CHI'ers, and they wondered the same thing. Somehow in the process, we connected and her identity was exposed! Laura S. has adopted an infant named Mateo from Colombia this past year. She lives in Atlanta. She is a photographer there and does great work. I have put her blog address on the side bar. She follows many of us from CHI and often leaves encouraging and informational comments. Please check out her blog and do the same!

We thought we were going to get to meet in person this weekend as she was in Biloxi with her family on business. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, and the unpredictably of a group of 3 siblings, we weren't able to make it over to see her. I didn't want to be rushed, and I seem to have the gift of gab (not always seen as a gift), and I didn't want them to feel as if they had "to wait" for us as they had other obligations....so, we will have to postpone our meeting...and hope to meet up in Atlanta soon. I have not been to Georgia, except the airport...sounds like a fun getaway!

It's Hard to be Five!

I got to spend a few hours in Tatiana's class last Friday before we went to Louisiana. This is some of what I saw. The kids are so cute!

Our "Drive Thru Safari" Adventure (Pics & Video!)

Cute, right? Ha!

Can we say adventure? This was a memorable day! I wanted to take the kids to a Drive-Thru Zoo for a long time, because I remember my grandparents taking us as children and petting animals thru the car windows as they came up. Maybe I should have waited for Papi, but it always seems like we're in a hurry when Ben is with us to get back home. So, I took advantage of this time (since we left early right?), and we made a detour!

The information we got before going through the park said, "For your protection, DO NOT get out of your vehicle." And I we began our journey thru, there were signs everywhere that read, "For your protection, video surveillance is used in this area." The first area we drove by was by a pond with several ducks...well, we had food and of course, we wanted to stop and feed them. But, how in the world was I supposed to tell if there were any left under the car when we were ready to roll?

Clue: don't stop at the duck pond!! Notice the cute brown and white ducky? He met Jesus on Sunday! I felt terrible as the other ducks were along the side of the pond just watching their little friend. Terrible! What could I do? The sign said don't get out of your vehicle!

As we drove further, we saw a few zebras. They were beautiful! Saw some deer and several other animals...and then the two camels! Oh, so cute! We've got to stop and feed them! Well, check out the videos below! Hilarious! I think the kids were more traumatized by the camel than the poor ducky!

I guess I should have paid more attention to those last two words: "DRIVE SAFELY!" I wonder if they got my tag number? I should send a condolence card. I feel awful...poor ducky!

Another Foot Picture!

Our Weekend Adventure

We decided to make a really quick visit to Louisiana before the soccer games began this upcoming weekend. What usually takes us about 6 hours with two parents, three kids, took us 8.5 hours with one parent and a few extra stops! Wowzers! Potty breaks and gas was a minimum of 30 mins at any gas station! We did stop by 2 stores, but one of those we had a potty break, so not sure if that counts!


Anyhow, we missed out on seeing my nephew and niece, Kaleb and Ainsley. But after our visit with my grandparents, we did get a chance to meet up with our other nieces and nephew or cousins, new baby Emma, Elijah, and Grace! Then we were off to visit Grand-Papi & Mamie! The kids had a blast and I was plumb tuckered out by Saturday nite! We got a hotel room in Ruston so we could hit the road early on Sunday back home. We got to Monroe and saw signs about a Drive-Thru Safari Zoo! So, DETOUR! We went...in the next post, I will reveal what an adventure that was! Whew!


Here are a few pictures:





This is my niece Grace. We went to eat pizza with John and Amy and all the kids. She was probably the messiest eater of the bunch! This girl has got the cutest smile! John just plopped Baby Emma into my arms, and then let Tatiana hold her. She is so tiny!





My Dad, aka Grand-Papi, letting Diego pet Royal in his stable. Dad has lots of horses. The kids think of him often when they see horses!

Papaw made homemade biscuits for breakfast on Saturday. It was mmm-mmm good! I remember when me and Shanda and Bubba would sit around the breakfast table and Nana and Papaw would treat us with the b-fast delights. I love my Nana and Papaw! Here are pics of them with the kids. They sure do love their grandchildren, too. They are so very proud of them! I love to hear them talk to family about them. Papaw enjoyed letting them sit on the school bus.

Does it work if I pout? I want to ride the go-kart NOW, Mami!

The Adventure didn't stop here, though...more to come tomorrow...you won't want to miss out about our adventure at the Drive-Thru Safari Zoo! Stay tuned... :o)

How many can you count?

YUCK! How many Love Bugs can you count? I had to clean the windshield twice before I got to Louisiana, and this is what it looked like when I finally got to Homer! Ew!!! Poor bugs!

On the road again...

As I type, we are at the Hampton in Louisiana. We are about to get on the road again to go home. We had a very short visit with some family here. With just a quick preview here are some pics from the visit, with more to come later!

Connecticut is covered! Thanks, Ali A!

A big thank you to Ali, A., who has committed to pray for Isaac and his family! Still looking for a few more...please see the side bar and if your state is not represented and you will commit to pray, email me and I can give you more info! Thanks in advance!

Open House

Tonight was Open House at the school. Ben is out of town, and I took the kiddos to the school. We went to Andrew's class. He was so very proud to show me his desk! I laughed. Guess where it was? It was the very closest desk in front of the board! It appeared there were two other desks separated from the tables. I didn't even have to ask why he'd been separated from the rest of the class... He is "talky-talky" as Tatiana would describe him! At home and school!

When we got to Tatiana's class, we saw Mrs. Forehand and Mrs. Lett, who are both so very helpful! Mrs. Forehand is about to have her baby! We are very excited for her, but will miss her when she's gone! The previous post will explain how Tatiana is doing. She's quite the opposite of Andrew in many ways! They are both just as precious!

more notes from the teacher's desk

it was so cute today- beamie forgot about it being wednesday so i was hanging out with andrew and tatiana on the front steps. Andrew said "Tatiana gets greens everyday" and i said, "i know she is wonderful- Taitana never gets in trouble." i asked andrew if he was getting in trouble in first grade and he smiled his litte smile and said "yes- andrew talks"- i told him how tatiana never talks- i asked andrew if she ever got in trouble at home and andrew said-" yes yes she does"- and i said "no way- tatiana do u really get in trouble" and she smiled and said "well yeah"- it was soooo funny- she said it so cute- although i still cant picture her ever getting in to trouble!!! When we were getting ready to go home all the litte boys ask if they are getting a green- and tatiana asked to- and i said "of course tatiana"- and she laughed and she said "i know i always behave! " but she is very right!

See u later- stormi forehand

Sunday Morning Pictures!

Here are a few pictures before Church on Sunday:

My gorgeous hijos! We are trying to let Diego's hair grow out after being inspired by Alex and Sebastian Duewel! I just love their hair! Not sure how their cut will look on Diego, but we're gonna give it a try! (Hope ya don't mind Rena and Nate!) That "in-between" stage--is kindof difficult. We really don't know what to do with his hair! He's such a cutie to me! And guess what? He's still givin' those wet kisses and hugs to his Mami and Papi! The other two are more stingy with their hugs and kisses!

Andrew didn't really want to take pictures today. Tatiana was dressed so cute! I guess it was too sunny though, and most of the pics I got- their eyes were closed, looking away, etc. The wind attacked her hair; we ended up taking the scarf off at Church. This was an outfit my cousin Kim gave us. Thanks, Kimberly!

My boys! Diego is growing so much! I love how Andrew put his arm around him. I tell Andrew how much Diego needs his big brother, and he takes pride in helping us with Diego; however, sometimes, we have to remind him, that he is still just "brother" and we are "Mami" and "Papi!"

IKE

This evening, we went to the beach. Well, actually the beach was blocked off. The waves were crashing against the edge of the road. It was beautiful. I wish I had my camera. The waves seemed so forceful...beautiful!

There is already flooding in South Mississippi! Please pray for the people and animals (forgotten pets) in Texas and western Louisiana.

Do you remember?

Where you were when you heard the news about the twin towers? Seven years ago and our lives have never been the same...I remember. I remember standing in my living room getting ready for a morning class at Tech...and my mom called. I remember hanging up the phone in tears praying out to God. I remember saying "My God, My God--NO!!!" when I saw people jump from the building... And then, I remember the people from all over the nation standing together as one! I remember the name of God spoken loudly in the streets; I remember people praying with each other... do you remember?

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life...

Wow! Meditate on that one for a while...God's love for YOU! He chases after US!!! EVERY DAY!!! Now, that's something that has gotta make ya smile!

Psalm 23.6 (The Message)

Muslim or Christian, can you be both?

VOM- Colombia Project

We got a Voice of the Martyrs mailer recently. It has info about ordering your 2008 Church Resource Kit for $9. Nov 9th is this year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Part of that church is in Colombia! After adopting our children from Colombia, I have such a heart for those people to know the Lord. I am excited to see that in the VOM's resource kit it includes: a DVD of a story of Alex and how he survived a massacre led by FARC guerrillas, a pattern to make a parachute that will float Bibles and shortwave radios into the jungles of Colombia, as well as VOM brochures about the persecuted church!!!

I am so excited!!! This can be a family project, a church project, a community project---how cool would it be to make a parachute spreading the good news? And we can be a part of that!!! So often, I don't think how I can make a difference so very far away...but I can...YOU can!

Please join me today and support the persecuted church in Colombia...you can go to their website at www.persecution.com

God bless!

Just a few quirks!

Ok, so, I was "tagged" by a few of my bloggin' sisters to share 6 of my very own personal quirks! I hate to disappoint, so here goes...

1) I like to "bust" a rhyme or sing a song...but for some reason, my little mind doesn't retain all the lyrics...I only sing or recite a few lines. And, I have no musical talent or singing capability, no rhythm at all!

Some of my fave one liners are:
"You are so-- beautiful to me..."
"In just a little while, we'll be home together...in just a while..."
"It's all about me!" (the words are really supposed to be it's all about you...)
"If you don't know me by now...you will never, ever know me...EW, EW, EW......."
or, what about this one..."One day at a time, Sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking from you..."
or..."Baby got back"
or..."Isn't it ironic...like rain--on your wedding..."
AND, I love U2, "With or without you..."

2) I make this funny noise when I scratch my throat. I just noticed a few weeks ago, Andrew does the same thing! Ha! (Ben hates it!)

3) I ask lots of questions! Sometimes, considered intrusive, sometimes repetitively, sometimes seen as challenging; I just ask questions! Our secretary at work says I went into the wrong field that I should have been a detective! I think it helps in the current field- psychotherapy, but before grad school, I did apply to be a state trooper in Louisiana and was even accepted to the Shreveport, Troop G area, but I chickened out and did not accept assignment and go to Academy/Boot Camp!

4) I'm a little "OC" in a positive way! I like structure. I like consistency. I like a plan. I am a lists person! I leave Ben lists ALL the time. If there isn't a list, something's wrong! Ha! I make lists for myself...and then, funny thing, I don't use the lists!

5) Even though, I am a person who likes consistency, I don't like to be bored! I like things to be shaken up a little! Lively! Sometimes, I am seen as a troublemaker for those who like to only co-exist, and when I come on scene and suggest change- I often hit resistence! (Secret: I like that, too! I am not afraid to stand up and be a voice for something I believe in! And am always ready for a challenge! Or at least, I like to think so.)

6) Sometimes, I collect or save things...and then I have a spell where I "clean house" and throw everything away. I have been saving my size 9 Girbaud pants from college, because "some day" I will wear them again! Ha! Think 7 yrs later, I should probably give them away...but they were my "hot pants"!!! Any one else save their old hot pants?

So, part of the tag requires me to pass this quirkie idea along to other friends...several in our blog circle have been tagged already, so if this is a repeat, sorry, but open to the whole blogosphere! But, I'd love to hear what quirks Janine, Jan from Alaska, Genece, Jaime, Karen, Denise, Sarah, Rena & Nate have!!! Wouldn't you? 'Fess up, my friends!

Without a Paddle?

So, we found this cool restaurant when we were in Hoover, Alabama fleeing from the dreaded Hurricane Gustav. We tried to make it an adventure. Here are some pics we took around the outside/inside of the restaurant:

Looking for someone from Connecticut & Delaware!

Looking for anyone in Connecticut and/or Delaware to pray for Baby Isaac Diego & his family...will you pray? Or if you aren't from these areas, do you know someone who is that will pray? We have almost completed our 50-state challenge...

Isaac was adopted last year from Colombia and has several medical needs. For those of us who have grown to know him through his mother, Sherri's blog, we desire complete healing for this child. Isaac has symptoms very similar to Cerebral Palsy. You can read more about him, his family, and the challenges they face here: http://allglorybetogod.blogspot.com/ .

Thanks in advance to all those who have and are continuing to pray for this family! God bless!

Muchas Gracias to all my faithful, praying blog readers and friends!

Art by Tatiana

Many thanks to all of you who have sent emails and texts with thoughts and prayers! We are so blessed and encouraged by those. Thank you!


We found a hotel in Hoover, AL last night. We are staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites, and I see dogs all around...so, this may be our 9-1-1 if we have to evacuate again. It is pretty nice! I feel like a princess without my prince charming!


The report from Ben is that there is no water in the house at this point. It is just raining and very windy. There are tornados touching around the area, but he minimizes that by saying they are like touch and go and really quick! My thought: it doesn't take long to devastate or tear down a house! There have been power outages reported from Gulfport to Pascagoula. As of this am, Ben still has lights!


The children are doing well. We brought their Leapsters (the batteries are about to die and I can't find the recharger cord), color books, 2 board games, books, and coloring books. (We = me and my mother)


Our plan is to leave tomorrow and return home. I will return to work on Wednesday, unless I get in early enough tomorrow. My prayer now is more concentrated on those in Louisiana. I am so glad that the government got everyone out and others heeded to the warnings to evacuate.


Lookout, Jenn, for Hannah! Girl, I will be so glad when we get out of this season!