Ok, so our MS State Income Tax should be here in about 14 days! Someone from the IRS called asking about the adoption. The person spoke w/ Ben and said that we could not claim the adoption credit and dependents. When Ben told them the adoption was in 2007, they questioned why we waited until now, and didn't file that credit last year. Ben reminded them of the "law" that MS has put in place stating they have to be residents of the state 1 yr before we qualify. "You're right!" she says.
That was it! That was the hold up. Praise God!
So, since it's just our family going and the others intending on going weren't able to make it depending on ticket prices and passports, we will either go as scheduled or postpone until the middle of June. I will keep you posted! I would love to be in Colombia on our second Gotcha Day!
Passport Issue: When I went to the post office to turn in the applications, I took the Certificates of Citizenship, Birth Certificates, and Adoption Decree. The postal officer said we did not need anything but the birth certificates. Well, that has delayed us. Saturday, we sent in that information & expedited it by mail. Hopefully, we will get their passports by the end of this week or next! And Yes, God! Thanks for your provision.
4.28.2009
4.25.2009
4.24.2009
First Birthday Without the Sibs...
Tatiana was invited to Hannah's birthday yesterday. It was the first birthday we went to without all three children. It was a good thing to see Tatiana mingle and play with her peers. She tends to be on the shy-side. She did very well and had so much fun!
Her teacher emailed me last week and told me that she and Hannah talk about Jesus a lot, and were even strategizing how to teach another classroom student or friend about Him. Awe... How I wish I could be a fly on the wall when these things happened... My children will be AND are History Makers and World Changers! I'm believing that! God is good and faithful! Have a great Friday!
4.15.2009
Kaleb, Our Cousin! (my nephew)
This is Kaleb's first trip to Moss Point, Mississippi! We are excited & blessed that he is here with us. Before Shanda passed away, she promised to come see my house and visit. Well, she never made it. It saddens my heart all of the whoop-la that we've experienced since her death... but putting that aside, and just loving on Kaleb is so nice.
He has played so much with Diego during the day, and all three at night. He gets along well with the children. At times, we have to tell them to "chill!" But to hear Kaleb laugh and be giddy is so awesome and especially good for my mom's heart!
They went with Beamie to the park yesterday and today. Kaleb has been exercising on my bike and walking on the treadmill. Today, Ben worked with the boys in putting together a Speed Racer car. (see picture) Tomorrow, they will work on cups. It just so happens that Kayah sent me these cool cups that the kids can put their artwork inside. She sent 5 cups. I only have 3 children. I am going to let my mom help afterschool tomorrow and let Kaleb make a cup also. Beamie will make one to send to Ainsley, Kaleb's sister. We hope that she soon will get to come visit and stay with us a while...
Check out the pics! Kaleb doesn't like to smile a lot. So we tried to just do goofy pics! Diego is just downright goofy!
=)
We all love Kaleb very much!!! He's been so sweet giving me hugs every morning. I just love him!
DONATIONS FOR COLOMBIA! MUCHAS GRACIAS!
Today, we received a special package in the mail all the way from Kansas City from another internet friend and AP, Kayah S. Kayah sent several pairs of shoes for infants. They are adorable! These shoes were donated to send to little ones in Colombia! You can check out this company at robeez.com . Thanks so much Kayah for letting us be part of the blessing by distributing these!
We also received several tubes of tooth paste and toothbrushes from a colleague at the hospital! So many thanks to my friend, Charlie!
So, the backpack drive... well, I'm not sure we'll get 50. Maybe that was a little too ambitious. I'm shooting for 25! We have a huge bag of clothes and some toys we can mail to Cali that the missionaries will be able to use at the day care. I also found some printouts from the Spanish Church that uses our building that I will make photocopies for and take with us. They have started a children's ministry and are looking for curriculum. This isn't curriculum, just handouts/color sheets, but would be cool to have!
We used our Federal Income Tax Refund to pay off our cars! Praise the Lord! We were planning on using the State Income Tax Refund to pay for this trip if we hadn't saved enough. However, it still hasn't arrived. It makes me nervous! We've got $1000 saved from the extra consults I've had. Please pray that our income taxes get filed and processed as quickly as possible and the check is expedited! (We sent it in over 7 weeks ago!) There are also two other people who are interested in traveling with us. Please pray that they are able to get their passports & money in on time! Thanks!
4.11.2009
Our Colombian Prizes...
We got these uniforms while we were in Colombia. They are supposed to be "authentic" and cost us like $70-80 US dollars when there. I have no idea why we didn't just buy the "knock-off" version; I mean- how would we know the difference?
Our thought was that we'd have them framed and put in their rooms. Grand ideas... well, anyways, we're gonna let them wear them tomorrow for Church! =)
Diego loved his! He was so proud prancing around! He will play soccer this year. That will be something to watch!
(Tatiana got some Emerald earrings in which she will also get to wear tomorrow.)
Afternoon at the Beach Park.
Unfortunately, we had to leave the park shortly after we arrived, because there were older children there bullying and cursing. At first, I thought that we should just leave... But then, I imagined what if this were one of those "What would you do?" shows, and what would I do? or moreover, what should I do? So, I warned one little fellow and tried having a talk with him about his responsibility he has as a role model as an older child. Of course, his parents weren't there. Ben and other parents started talking to them too. Next time, I think I will just call the police. There was at least half dozen or more middle school kids that were on the playground equipment running over the smaller kids... such a disappointment.
4.09.2009
Coping with Infertility...
I found this article at http://infertility.about.com/od/copingwithinfertility/a/holiday_dinners.htm
and thought it had some good info... I have thought about emailing it to family and friends. So many people, even those who are closest to us, can be so insensitive and hurtful with comments that are really not meant to be hurtful, but are inconsiderate when speaking to someone dealing with infertility issues. And yes, I have issues. We've adopted, and I am totally in love with my children. However, the emotional turmoil lingers on. Only those who have walked thru this can really understand.
Here is the article from above, cut & pasted:
Coping with Infertility During Family Holiday Gatherings
Tips for Surviving Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, and Other Holiday Meals
By Rachel Gurevich, About.com
Updated: April 6, 2009 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Whatever the time of year may be, family holiday gatherings can be emotionally difficult when you're coping with infertility. The holidays tend to remind us that our family building has not gone the way we imagined. Seeing your siblings and cousins with their children can remind you of what you don't have. That's never easy.
If you're feeling stressed out just thinking about your next holiday get-together, here are some coping tips that may help:
Don't Go.
You're probably thinking that is the most negative tip to start with, but it's an important one. So important, that I wanted to list it first.
When it comes to family, saying no can feel impossible. If you don't go to the holiday dinner, your parents and family may protest — loudly, in fact. They can't make you go, though, and you should do what is best for you.
Maybe you've had a really difficult year, and being around babies and children is the last thing you need for your mental health. Maybe that means skipping Thanksgiving or Passover at your parent's this year.
Instead, you can make dinner at home, get together with some adult friends (without children) or even take vacation days and spend them with your partner on a short getaway. Your family may get upset, but they'll eventually get over it, and most importantly, you'll be calmer in the long run.
Don't Feel Like You Have to Hold Any Babies.
Being around children can be difficult when you're trying to get pregnant, and sometimes, especially if your arms are empty, family members will plop a baby on to your lap while they attend to other matters.
For some, holding babies reminds them of what they don't have. Don't be afraid to say no. You can quickly pass off the baby to another pair of empty arms, make yourself busy or just be honest and let your family member know that holding babies is too painful for you right now. (This can be a sticky area, though. It depends on how understanding of a family you have.)
Alternatively, Soak Up the Baby Love.
On the other hand, not every woman with infertility struggles with holding babies. I fit in to this category. When I last visited my sister, she had just given birth to a baby girl. I told my sister from the beginning, Any time you want someone to hold the baby, give her to me. I want to get in all the baby love I can.
If this sounds like your style, take advantage of the abundance of children at the holiday dinner. Live vicariously through others, and take the time to get down on the floor and play with your nieces, nephews and cousins. Volunteer to burp the baby or change a diaper.
Sure, you may cry when you leave, knowing you can't take the baby home with you, but it still can feel good to soak up all the baby love while you can.
Be Ready for When Are You Having Kids Questions.
Especially if others don't know about your infertility or trying to conceive efforts, questions about why you don't have kids (or why you haven't had another) are bound to come up. It can help to be prepared to answer this question.
How to Answer "When are You Having Kids?
Consider Whether to Tell Your Family or Not About Your Infertility.
This brings up another sticky topic – should you, or should you not, tell your family about your infertility. There are many pros and cons to outing yourself, and I go over them in this article:
Should You Tell Your Friends and Family About Your Infertility?
If you do decide to tell your family, you may want to think twice about doing so at a holiday dinner. On the one hand, you have everyone together, which may make it easier. On the other, if you don't want it to be the topic of the night, you'll want to bring it up at the very end or work hard at establishing boundaries right up front. (In other words, saying, "I want you all to know, but I really do not want to talk about it now.")
Don't Be Afraid to Cut Off Uncomfortable Conversations.
I bet if I started a thread in our infertility forums on uncomfortable conversations that come up at family dinners, we'd gather tons of replies. Unwanted advice is a big one, either advice on getting pregnant (from "experts", of course) or, if your family doesn't know about the infertility, advice on why you shouldn't wait any longer to have kids.
Also, conversations that focus on the negative aspects of pregnancy or parenting can get really upsetting. Listening to your sister whine about her mornings sickness can feel unbearable when you would give anything to be pregnant and throwing up.
If you find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable conversation, don't be afraid to switch the subject. Be direct if that doesn't work, and say you really don't want to talk about this right now. It helps if you do it all with a smile and without any blame. (Not to say you aren't angry inside. Just that taking it out on them will probably make things worse, and most likely, they didn't mean any harm.)
Be Ready to Cope with Pregnancy Announcements.
Family gatherings are the place for pregnancy announcements, whether direct (literally announcing the pregnancy) or indirect (walking into the house in maternity clothes and a big tummy).
It is far from easy to cope with pregnancy announcements when you're trying to get pregnant. Even if you are happy for your friend or family member, it can still hurt. More than once, an unexpected pregnancy announcement had me giving strained congratulations and fighting a growing lump in my throat.
Don't feel guilty for your feelings of sadness, but do be prepared for the possibility.
Hide in the Bathroom for a Few Minutes.
For me, being prepared means being willing to hide in the bathroom. I learned this from my therapist. If you feel like you need to cry, you can excuse yourself to bathroom. No one knows why you're there, and the door locks, making it a perfect spot.
You can also run the water in the sink if you don't want anyone to hear you crying. (But if your family is anything like my family, there is no way they will hear you crying over their loud voices, anyway.)
Sometimes, you just can't hold back the tears. It is much easier to go let them out, than hold them in. Have a good cry, wash your face, and then go back out. No one has to know what you're doing in the there, and you'll have some space for awhile. It really works, try it!
Be Forgiving of Yourself.
Perhaps the most important coping tip I have is to be forgiving of yourself. You might feel guilty for feeling sadness when your sister gets pregnant, or feel like a jerk when you ask your cousin to please stop talking about her birth story. But you shouldn't feel guilty. These are all normal feelings.
Coping with infertility is extremely difficult, and you'll be lucky if you have any friends and family that really understand. For the most part, I don't think anyone means to hurt our feelings, but they simply don't know what it's like. They may want to support us, but not know how.
If you need to skip the holidays with family this year, skip it. If you need to leave early, or come late, do that. If you need to hide in the bathroom and cry, or avoid holding a baby, don't feel like it makes you into a bad person. All it means is that you're human, with real feelings – feelings that just about every couple who has gone through infertility understands.
and thought it had some good info... I have thought about emailing it to family and friends. So many people, even those who are closest to us, can be so insensitive and hurtful with comments that are really not meant to be hurtful, but are inconsiderate when speaking to someone dealing with infertility issues. And yes, I have issues. We've adopted, and I am totally in love with my children. However, the emotional turmoil lingers on. Only those who have walked thru this can really understand.
Here is the article from above, cut & pasted:
Coping with Infertility During Family Holiday Gatherings
Tips for Surviving Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, and Other Holiday Meals
By Rachel Gurevich, About.com
Updated: April 6, 2009 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Whatever the time of year may be, family holiday gatherings can be emotionally difficult when you're coping with infertility. The holidays tend to remind us that our family building has not gone the way we imagined. Seeing your siblings and cousins with their children can remind you of what you don't have. That's never easy.
If you're feeling stressed out just thinking about your next holiday get-together, here are some coping tips that may help:
Don't Go.
You're probably thinking that is the most negative tip to start with, but it's an important one. So important, that I wanted to list it first.
When it comes to family, saying no can feel impossible. If you don't go to the holiday dinner, your parents and family may protest — loudly, in fact. They can't make you go, though, and you should do what is best for you.
Maybe you've had a really difficult year, and being around babies and children is the last thing you need for your mental health. Maybe that means skipping Thanksgiving or Passover at your parent's this year.
Instead, you can make dinner at home, get together with some adult friends (without children) or even take vacation days and spend them with your partner on a short getaway. Your family may get upset, but they'll eventually get over it, and most importantly, you'll be calmer in the long run.
Don't Feel Like You Have to Hold Any Babies.
Being around children can be difficult when you're trying to get pregnant, and sometimes, especially if your arms are empty, family members will plop a baby on to your lap while they attend to other matters.
For some, holding babies reminds them of what they don't have. Don't be afraid to say no. You can quickly pass off the baby to another pair of empty arms, make yourself busy or just be honest and let your family member know that holding babies is too painful for you right now. (This can be a sticky area, though. It depends on how understanding of a family you have.)
Alternatively, Soak Up the Baby Love.
On the other hand, not every woman with infertility struggles with holding babies. I fit in to this category. When I last visited my sister, she had just given birth to a baby girl. I told my sister from the beginning, Any time you want someone to hold the baby, give her to me. I want to get in all the baby love I can.
If this sounds like your style, take advantage of the abundance of children at the holiday dinner. Live vicariously through others, and take the time to get down on the floor and play with your nieces, nephews and cousins. Volunteer to burp the baby or change a diaper.
Sure, you may cry when you leave, knowing you can't take the baby home with you, but it still can feel good to soak up all the baby love while you can.
Be Ready for When Are You Having Kids Questions.
Especially if others don't know about your infertility or trying to conceive efforts, questions about why you don't have kids (or why you haven't had another) are bound to come up. It can help to be prepared to answer this question.
How to Answer "When are You Having Kids?
Consider Whether to Tell Your Family or Not About Your Infertility.
This brings up another sticky topic – should you, or should you not, tell your family about your infertility. There are many pros and cons to outing yourself, and I go over them in this article:
Should You Tell Your Friends and Family About Your Infertility?
If you do decide to tell your family, you may want to think twice about doing so at a holiday dinner. On the one hand, you have everyone together, which may make it easier. On the other, if you don't want it to be the topic of the night, you'll want to bring it up at the very end or work hard at establishing boundaries right up front. (In other words, saying, "I want you all to know, but I really do not want to talk about it now.")
Don't Be Afraid to Cut Off Uncomfortable Conversations.
I bet if I started a thread in our infertility forums on uncomfortable conversations that come up at family dinners, we'd gather tons of replies. Unwanted advice is a big one, either advice on getting pregnant (from "experts", of course) or, if your family doesn't know about the infertility, advice on why you shouldn't wait any longer to have kids.
Also, conversations that focus on the negative aspects of pregnancy or parenting can get really upsetting. Listening to your sister whine about her mornings sickness can feel unbearable when you would give anything to be pregnant and throwing up.
If you find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable conversation, don't be afraid to switch the subject. Be direct if that doesn't work, and say you really don't want to talk about this right now. It helps if you do it all with a smile and without any blame. (Not to say you aren't angry inside. Just that taking it out on them will probably make things worse, and most likely, they didn't mean any harm.)
Be Ready to Cope with Pregnancy Announcements.
Family gatherings are the place for pregnancy announcements, whether direct (literally announcing the pregnancy) or indirect (walking into the house in maternity clothes and a big tummy).
It is far from easy to cope with pregnancy announcements when you're trying to get pregnant. Even if you are happy for your friend or family member, it can still hurt. More than once, an unexpected pregnancy announcement had me giving strained congratulations and fighting a growing lump in my throat.
Don't feel guilty for your feelings of sadness, but do be prepared for the possibility.
Hide in the Bathroom for a Few Minutes.
For me, being prepared means being willing to hide in the bathroom. I learned this from my therapist. If you feel like you need to cry, you can excuse yourself to bathroom. No one knows why you're there, and the door locks, making it a perfect spot.
You can also run the water in the sink if you don't want anyone to hear you crying. (But if your family is anything like my family, there is no way they will hear you crying over their loud voices, anyway.)
Sometimes, you just can't hold back the tears. It is much easier to go let them out, than hold them in. Have a good cry, wash your face, and then go back out. No one has to know what you're doing in the there, and you'll have some space for awhile. It really works, try it!
Be Forgiving of Yourself.
Perhaps the most important coping tip I have is to be forgiving of yourself. You might feel guilty for feeling sadness when your sister gets pregnant, or feel like a jerk when you ask your cousin to please stop talking about her birth story. But you shouldn't feel guilty. These are all normal feelings.
Coping with infertility is extremely difficult, and you'll be lucky if you have any friends and family that really understand. For the most part, I don't think anyone means to hurt our feelings, but they simply don't know what it's like. They may want to support us, but not know how.
If you need to skip the holidays with family this year, skip it. If you need to leave early, or come late, do that. If you need to hide in the bathroom and cry, or avoid holding a baby, don't feel like it makes you into a bad person. All it means is that you're human, with real feelings – feelings that just about every couple who has gone through infertility understands.
4.08.2009
Backpacks for Colombia!
I hope to take 50 backpacks to Colombia to give to little children while we are there. As mentioned in a previous post, we are collecting fun things to go in the bags like things you would put in an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox. After I posted this, several people wanted to be part of the fun and give toward this. Others suggested me make a list of things I might include and they may be able to help fill a bag or send things.
So far, I have had someone offer (not yet collected) a bunch -number unknown-of knapsacks that they can where as a backpack, 20 toothbrushes/toothpastes, and Kayah is sending me shoes that were donated to her to send to Colombia! I also had a colleague at work who has agreed to fill 5 of the bags, once I get them! Anyways, if you'd like to donate or give to the cause, here's our address: Ben & Wendi Wood,7809 Old Stage Road, Moss Point, MS 39562
Here is a suggested list that I actually pulled from Samaritan's Purse:
GIFT IDEAS
TOYS small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
A PERSONAL NOTE In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) -If you did this, you may want to use a free translation site, unless you're fluent in Spanish to write it.
DO NOT INCLUDE Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans
We are going to pack these in the bags that we'd use for the kids. I hope to be able to fit the kids clothes in one bag and mine and Ben's in another. (I will be consulting Rena D. for packing tips!) And of course, we will be blogging to share the pics of our mission experience! We plan to leave May 31st and return June 6th. God is good, and He loves the people of Colombia! We can't wait to share the good news. Thanks to all those who share in the excitement with us!
So far, I have had someone offer (not yet collected) a bunch -number unknown-of knapsacks that they can where as a backpack, 20 toothbrushes/toothpastes, and Kayah is sending me shoes that were donated to her to send to Colombia! I also had a colleague at work who has agreed to fill 5 of the bags, once I get them! Anyways, if you'd like to donate or give to the cause, here's our address: Ben & Wendi Wood,7809 Old Stage Road, Moss Point, MS 39562
Here is a suggested list that I actually pulled from Samaritan's Purse:
GIFT IDEAS
TOYS small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
A PERSONAL NOTE In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) -If you did this, you may want to use a free translation site, unless you're fluent in Spanish to write it.
DO NOT INCLUDE Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans
We are going to pack these in the bags that we'd use for the kids. I hope to be able to fit the kids clothes in one bag and mine and Ben's in another. (I will be consulting Rena D. for packing tips!) And of course, we will be blogging to share the pics of our mission experience! We plan to leave May 31st and return June 6th. God is good, and He loves the people of Colombia! We can't wait to share the good news. Thanks to all those who share in the excitement with us!
"I wish I am a grown-up"
Andrew goes on to say, "I want a phone. I wish I am Papi."
I can remember wishing I was a grown-up as a child, but now, as a grown-up, I wish I were a kid again. These children have been such a blessing to us, and it's neat to see things thru a child's perspective again and keep us a little younger longer! I love being Mami to these three beautiful Colombians!
I can remember wishing I was a grown-up as a child, but now, as a grown-up, I wish I were a kid again. These children have been such a blessing to us, and it's neat to see things thru a child's perspective again and keep us a little younger longer! I love being Mami to these three beautiful Colombians!
4.03.2009
Passports
(Picture Credit: Brooke Hill)Today, we applied for the children's passports! They should be in 4-6 weeks! Right on time for our mission trip to COLOMBIA!!!!! Yes! We are going to Colombia to help a missionary family near Cali in Palmira, CO. We are going to assist with ministry they have going there. I also have the desire to collect small backpacks and fill them up with goodies, much like the Operation Christmas Shoebox thing. I have someone willing to donate toothbrushes/toothpaste. I had someone else say they have a few knapsacks to donate. I have a personal goal of taking at least 50 bags! I am excited! I can't wait! Please pray as we go on this next God-venture, sharing His love!
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