Silly girl...

Most of you know I'm a very routined person. So, my mornings begin at 5:30 a.m. with a cup of coffee in hand, Bible on my lap, sitting on the couch.

Most of you also know that Emily is an E.A.R.L.Y bird! She has always been one to crash early at night and get up early in the morning. It's worked out fine for our family...we just let her get up at 6 a.m. on school days to do her devotion and then read in her room until 6:30 a.m. Then she can get up to do her morning chores and come down.

Lately, Em wakes up and comes down for a little cuddle before reading...which is a.ok by me....love our quiet little snuggles. As I see her head down the stairs I put my coffee cup on the coaster, my Bible on the next couch cushion over, and wait for her to curl up (mostly...tall girl) on my lap. Some days she's groggy, but most days she smiles brightly, giggles, gives me smooches, and talks incessantly (have no idea where she gets that from? ). The other day she was trying to make me laugh, which wasn't hard when this is what I was looking at. Plus, have YOU ever tried not to laugh when you're supposed to be quiet? Impossible right? HA!

Anyway, this silly girl also had me in stitches last night at dinner. She looked at me and asked, "Hey Mom, Big Bill is in France right?"

Me: "Who?"

Em: "You know, the big clock"

Yep, she meant Big BEN and no, Emily...he's in London! Hahahahahaha!

Little Funnies...

You know how it is, kids say the funniest little things. Case started our day by dipping his dry (no milk) Life cereal into his cup of yogurt. Once he realized he could dip it as much as he wanted b/c it was his own little cup, he began saying, "I can double dip (followed by dip two), I can triple dip (followed by dip three), and I can FIPPLE dip (yep, followed by...what else?...dip Four)!" Ha!

Then in the evening it was just Em and I for dinner and out of nowhere she says,"Mom, I can scream like a little girl."

Me: I would hope so, you ARE a little girl.

E: Mom. I am NOT a little girl.

Me: Oh, are you a little BOY?

E: No. Duh, I'm a BIG girl.

Me: Oh, pardon me...and at what point does one become a BIG girl?

E: 6.

Me: Oh, and what comes after being a big girl?

E: A big, BIG girl.

Me: And at what age does that happen?

E: 27.

Me: Do you mean to tell me that Miss Molly is about to become a big, BIG girl on her birthday?

E: (at this point she realizes the hilarity of it all and begins to chuckle) Yes!

Me: Ok, so what comes after big, BIG girl?

E: Old Lady.

Me: Are you calling me an Old Lady?

E: NO. You are a big, BIG girl. You don't become an old lady until you are like 80.

Me: (laughing hysterically) Whew!

Case's creations

Case has always been a creative, innovative, and very good at entertaining himself when he wants to. Whether he is throwing something up and catching it repeatedly, or making believe that a whole scene is unfolding around him with only a small pile of ordinary household items...the boy gets props for being imaginative. His latest endeavor involved an afternoon snack of Fiber One cereal dry (his choice...just in case you wanted to judge me for being a crappy snack-giver to my children). Meet Mr. and Mrs. Fiber One...a match made in, eh, well...my kitchen?!?

Jump for Joy

I've meant to tell the story of Emily's jump rope team tryouts for quite a while now. It's worth noting for many reasons, not the least of which is so that I can remember it later:)

Jump roping at Em's school is a big deal. They have a 3 teams and a club. I always thought it might be something Em would be interested in and even good at, but she got plugged in to Bible club and decided that was enough for the time being. Then Spring Break came along and the students were challenged with preparing to jump rope to raise money for a great cause once they returned to school. Leading up to the break, the used P.E. time to practice. Em started pulling out her jump rope at home, as a result, and worked REALLY hard at it so that, in her words, "she wouldn't be embarrassed on the day they jump roped at school. Much to her surprise, she totally enjoyed it and was good at it. She taught herself tricks and pushed to get better and better.

So, when they offered a jump rope clinic in April in hopes of preparing students for tryouts, she decided she wanted to do it. I couldn't believe all they expected them to do during tryouts (jump in on double dutch, jump in on a single turning rope, and jump rope individually for a minute as best they could). I was nervous.

Then the results day arrived...the day where they were going to post who made the teams. I was assured (I thought) that everyone would at least get to be in the club (since that wasn't tryout oriented). I thought she do one better than that, though, and be on the beginner team.

So, I picked her up from school and this is how the convo went down:

Me: "Hey, how was your day?"

E: "Well, not great. I wasn't on the list."

Me: "Seriously? I'm so sorry, Em. I know you must be disappointed. Are you SURE?"

E: "Yes, I even had my teacher look and I wasn't on there. But, it's ok. I won't give up. I'll try out again next year."

Me: (almost near tears b/c out of disappointment AND pride) "Wow, Em. That's a great attitude. I'm just a little confused, though, b/c I thought everyone at least got to be in the club, no?"

E: "I don't know."

So, I decided I couldn't live with this all weekend. I turned the car around and headed back to school. Not that I wanted to get her on the team, but I just wanted to encourage her that she could be in the club. B/c it was Friday, though, no one was really around to help me. So I asked Em if I could go look at the lists.

As we stood there, I couldn't help but come to the same conclusion...her name was not on the club or the beginner list. Another mom was looking the list over and gave me a slight nod to acknowledge the hard Mom-moment that she was witnessing. I asked if her child had made a team and she said "yes" and pointed to his name on the intermediate team roster. As I followed her finger, there before my eyes, right under her son's name was Emily's name. Yes....that sweet girl had gone all day thinking she didn't make the cut. She never thought (nor did I) to look with hope at one of the more advanced teams. And had she, we would have never seen such humility and grace pour out of her precious heart. I'm so thankful for that. But, I'm also super thankful for that moment when I turned to her with tears in my eyes and the biggest darn grin on my face to tell her that she DID in fact make the team....a team she never dreamed of being on! Pure JOY!!!

That was then, and this in now...

So much catching up to do...again. I stink at this blogging thing! Ha! Oh well. Got to try. Got to start somewhere. So here are the kiddos' pictures from their 1st day of school and then their last!

They both had GREAT years!

Case never moved his "Cat off the Mat" (behavior chart), and he was noted as a "eager to please his teachers", "kind to other students", and "very bright". I'm most proud though, that he was truly respectful to his teachers, and loving to his friends.

Emily received all E's, all A's, achieved an outstanding amount of points in her AR (accelerated reading) program, and never moved her clip (behavior chart). She was noted as being "hard-working", "servant-hearted", "a great friend", "a gifted student". I'm most proud though of the P.E. award she received. It was not for the students who were most athletic (which is NOT her strong suit), but rather for the students who always tried, always encouraged others to try, and was the best encourager and team player. What a legacy to leave 1st grade with!

CALL TO ACTION!!!

I have yet to meet my newest niece or nephew. He/She is an Ethiopian orphan awaiting placement in his/her forever home. Unfortunately, due to corruption w/i the adoption processes in their country they are taking "unnecessary and disproportionate" measures that will in essence cut adoptions back by 90%!!!

This requires a CALL TO ACTION!

Please take a brief moment to sign a petition that will be sent to the Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi. It could mean the difference between children "languishing in poverty" or possibly not receiving the care they need to survive. PLEASE give just a minute of your time by clicking here in the hopes of saving many, many children...including my sweet nephew/niece. Thank you!!!

March 7, 2011 Statement on the Pending Reduction of Intercountry Adoption in Ethiopia Last week the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs announced their intention to reduce intercountry adoptions by 90% beginning March 10, 2011. The Ministry’s plan for a dramatic reduction is apparently based on two primary issues; 1) the assumption that corruption in intercountry adoption is systemic and rampant and 2) the Ministry’s resources should be focused on the children for whom intercountry adoption is not an option. Without further announcements by the Government of Ethiopia, it is our understanding that the Ministry’s plan will be initiated this week. The Ministry’s plan is a tragic, unnecessary and disproportionate reaction to concerns of isolated abuses in the adoption process and fails to reflect the overwhelmingly positive, ethical and legal services provided to children and families through intercountry adoption. Rather than eliminate the right of Ethiopian children to a permanent family, we encourage the Ministry to accept the partnerships offered by governments, NGOs, and foundations. Such partnerships could increase the Ministry’s capacity to regulate service providers and further ensure ethical adoptions. The Ministry’s plan, which calls for the processing of only five adoption cases per work day, will result not only in systemic and lasting damage to a large sector of social services, but will have an immediate impact on the lives and futures of children. Moving from over 4,000 adoptions per year to less than 500 will result in thousands of children languishing in under-regulated and poorly resourced institutions for years. For those children who are currently institutionalized and legally available for adoption, the Ministry’s plan will increase their time languishing in institutions for up to 7-years. Joint Council respectfully urges the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs to reconsider their plan and to partner with governments, NGOs and foundations to achieve their goals and avoid the coming tragedy for children and families.

Veggin' Out

Okay, so I'm going to start another aspect of my health journey....transitioning to more of a plant-based/vegetarian diet. My family and I have made the move to mostly chicken with the occasional pork, turkey, and fish mixed in. I think it's been a stretch for my meat-eating husband, but the kids don't mind at all as they are not huge fans of meat anyway.

For Christmas I got a juicer and have LOVED the ability to get in more veggies that way. I naturally love veggies, but find that eating more would be challenging w/o juicing and/or subbing them in place of other foods. Hence the move to eating more of a plant-based diet. My plan is to work this in to my day, minus dinner, since I still want to feed the husband's appetite. Maybe in time I'll convince him.

So, far I've been pulling most of my ideas from www.peasandthankyou.com, a great blog! This week we made her black bean burgers, carrot fries, and roasted chick peas! All were a HIT with me and the kids. Chad liked each of them "fine" or "okay", so I think he'd get used to it over time. I think he truly liked the chick peas, which make a great snack, salad topper, or addition to any dish for texture and flavor purposes.

Here are a few pics:

This was lunch today. Juice: spinach, carrots, and apple. Salad: romaine, cucumber, cilantro, and garlic/herb dressing. Veggie Bowl: mushrooms, cabbage, onion, and roasted chick peas.

Here are the Lemon Rosemary roasted chick peas right after they cooked.

And this was lunch from a few days ago...black bean burger w/a little swiss and mushrooms, edaname beans, and carrot fries.

Curly Q

So, one of Emily's new vanities is that she really wishes her hair was curly! What? She's 6 and already she's wanting to look different than she does. Ugh!

Anyway, she asks me A LOT to braid her hair while its still wet from the shower so that she can sleep on it and wake up to curly hair. Problem is, Daddy does NOT like the crimped look on her. So, we waited until Dad was traveling for business to tickle her fancy:)

In the morning when she took out the braids, Case said, "Wow. You look like Aunt Mel"! Ha! Kind of does...and that's a good thing cause she's a looker!

So, here is Em's "preferred" look. At least for now. Heaven help me when she's 13!

Target practice

While I'm ready for Spring, I'm thankful for the fun snow-filled days we've had. My kids were too little to remember their previous experience in KY, and FL offered none. So, we've tried to make the most of them here. My only regret this year was not sledding. But, I feel very prepared for next year after finding the scoop on some great hills:)

During our last snow, Daddy decided to take target practice to a whole new level. You can see that he definitely left his mark....and with quite a windup I might add:) I was sitting in the chair by the window and I think I jumped EVERY time one hit! Whew!

Take the bull by the horns

We scored some groupon tickets to a show at a local theater here to see Ferdinand the Bull. (It's the book that Leanne Tuohy (played by Sandra Bullock read to Michael Ohr in the movie the Blindside.) The two highlights were that the the real Leanne Tuohy read the book on stage before hand, and that we sat in the balcony! Such a fun experience for the kiddos!

So...a needle pulling thread.

I'm so thankful to the Lord for a recent prayer time. I was praying through my mom-anxiety about whether I should put my kids into activities, how many, which ones, etc. I just want to give them opportunities to learn new things and be ready to be whoever it and whatever God has planned for them. The world tells you that to be a good parent you have to be maxed out, driving to and from, and expose them to everything so that they eventually can excel at something. Then there are those circles that say contrary...that activities are the enemy and take away from family time. As usual, I live some where in the middle....trying to take the best of both sides. I DO want to expose my children to different things so that they can learn skills and also build confidence, team building, etc. I DO want to protect our family time and use it wisely to disciple them while they are still young. But what is the balance? Some families have struck that balance by saying one activity at a time or one per child at a time. It's different for everyone, and I don't think that there is a "wrong" way to do it. But, I do think that the Lord cares EVEN about this detail. And if we seek Him as parents (or guilt and anxiety ridden mothers...just being honest), we will find that He does have a plan.

Anyway, this prayer time where I was confessing to the Lord that I really needed Him to lead led me to really desire a way for my kiddos to learn transferrable life skills....cooking, sewing, etc. Things that are most definitely learned abilities, but are useful. Emily asked me the other day if she would take a class in college to learn how to cook like me. Precious, but no. That is my privilege as a parent...to pass on any giftings/skills I may have, but also to introduce them to others that I don't. I am blessed to live in the same city as dear family, one of which is my mother-in-love (yes, love...a term I picked up from a friend). Nana sews! I thought, this is great...Em can learn to sew AND spend time with one of the most amazing, servant-hearted, wise, and loving women I know....her Nana. I'm thankful that Nana said "yes"...and not just half-heartedly, but joyfully. She loves her grands. She pours into them each and loves them each (all 5, soon to be 6) for who they are individually. She prays over them, pursues them, and knows them inside and out. And they ADORE her for it!

At any rate, a few weeks ago the sewing session began. At the very first one, Emily didn't want to quit even after about 4 hours of work!!! Some of that is her incredible work ethic, but some of it is her high need for closure (have no idea where she gets that from:)). Since then, they've enjoyed several sewing sessions where Em has made a blanket for herself and dolls, a pin cushion, and several tooth fairy pillows for herself, brother, and cousins. I think she is hoping to make a blanket for our sweet Ethiopian niece/nephew next....the one we are so prayerfully hoping will join us soon.

Here are some pics of her at work.....

Just a swingin'

We've SOOO enjoyed the nice warm weather we've been having. There are tons of trails and greenways right outside our neighborhood. So, we've been using this time to explore. Here's a shoot off from a trail that leads to a river bank full of sand and a homemade rope/wood swing! So fun!

I don't usually use this blog for anything except sharing the news of our family for those few family members who want to keep up from a far, but today I want to tell you a story.

This little girl I know, was adopted when she was a 9th grader. She actually wasn't an orphan. She had two parents who loved her. She knew her Adopter (who I'll refer to as "A") pretty well, in that she knew who "A" was and knew some basics about "A". But she had NO idea that "A" was longing to have her as a child, a daughter. "A" longed to give her a better life, one she couldn't have otherwise. But more than that...."A" longed to be connected to the little girl, and vice versa....to become family. That day in 9th grade, was all "A" ever had wanted. It was their "gotcha day". "A" was so excited to call the little girl daughter. "A" wanted to bond, become attached, and help the little girl heal from any past wounds...to rescue her. And really the past no longer mattered....all "A" wanted was to give this little girl a future full of hope and love.

That little girl was me. And it was on that day in 9th grade that Abba looked at me and said, "You are my daughter; today I have become your Father" (Ps. 2:7).

Snow Day-Part II

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SNOW DAY!!!

Countdown to Christmas

This isn't your typical countdown (just don't say I didn't warn you). I thought of writing this post out to the 12 days of Christmas, but I'll spare you.

So, we've had our Christmas decorations up for exactly 5 days.

Day one, Case broke the Mickey & Minnie snow globe that I lovingly and trustingly (read stupidly) put on the shelved mirror in their bathroom. How'd he do it? By twirling with arms spread wide while brushing his teeth. When I put it in there I jokingly asked Chad to hedge a bet on how long it would last before Case broke it (he's notorious for such irresponsibility and destruction). Chad generously bid a week. Should have put money on that b/c I would have gone WAY less.

Day two, Case decided to walk past the Christmas tree and "bounce" a ball ornament up and down on a branch. It shattered. I actually felt bad for the kid since he'd just been lectured a mere 24 hours previously on making wise and responsible choices and not just going with his instinct w/o thinking. He stood there with his hands on his head, tears streaming down his face and said, "Oh no! I did it again!" Poor guy! I'm sad to say, though, that said ornament was not a replaceable one. It was one my parents brought back from a cruise for me b/c it had a turtle on it and that was my sorority mascot. I got a little choked up.

Day three, Case decided to try to open the door on the Noah's ark ornament on the kid tree in the upstairs bathroom. (Does this kid EVER learn?) The ornament came crashing down, and a pair of elephants and zebras went overboard. Fortunately, they no animals were harmed during the making of this tragedy and can readily be reglued back into the ark.

Day four passed rather peacefully (I think).

But no worries, we made up for our uneventful day today. I left to pick up Em from an afterschool club. Case decided to stay home while I ran to get her (Chad works from home, people, so don't be calling DCS on me). As I'm driving the mile route back home, Chad calls and says, "We have another Christmas casualty". Me: "What happened (sigh, eye roll, sigh)." Chad: "Pound Puppy was taking rides on the banister and landed on the wrong side. The Christmas tree side. He broke another ornament." Me: (laughing on the inside b/c of how Chad's deflected all responsibility to my childhood stuffed toy that Case has now hijacked as his own. poor pound puppy. who can be ticked at him?) "Which ornament?" Chad: "Your UNC ball". Me: "Seriously? Why couldn't it have been one of the generic stupid snowman that I'll probably pitch after this year anyway? Ugh! Another non-replaceable one.

But that's not the end people....

So, after dinner the kids are be wild....running around the house. And Emily is chasing Case with her stuffed kitty cat, complete with leash. The leash whips around as she is flying through the family room, and CRASH....the angel Gabriel lost his wings. I cried a little. Chad picked up the pieces. Emily profusely apologized. And I have to believe Case was feeling a little relieved (I know I would have been if I was him). In a small and maybe weird way I was glad Em broke something. She can be slightly prideful and just earlier today when Chad had called to warn my of Pound Puppy's destruction, Emily piped up when I hung up the phone and said, "I bet I know what happened." Me: "Emily, it is not your concern or business. Please don't stick your nose in this (trying to protect poor Case, I mean Pound Puppy)". Emily: "I'm just saying, I bet Case broke something else (poor guy does have a reputation). Well, Miss High and Mighty (I love the girl, but she can be such a nudge)....I'm sure Case will strike again, but just remember YOU went after one of God's angels! Yikes! :)

What not to wear...

Where are Stacy and Clinton when you need them? I sleep in for few hours on Saturday morning and I wake to find this....

To my horror, I discover that not only has Daddy said she could wear this, but that he also allowed her to go out in public! WHAT? Let's just say that I'm thankful we had a party to go to later that day that required dressing up....whew!

And please take note of how my husband is dressed while cooking breakfast in the background. Yes, he HATES winter and yet is too cheap (I mean frugal, honey, if you are reading this) to crank up the heat. So, instead he wears this to cook. Oh how I love that man!

A Long, long time ago in a galaxy far away....

So, we kept it simple for Case's party. We had it at the park in our neighborhood, a super cool one. We did pizza and cake and just let the kiddos play. The adults got to hang out, the girls climbed and slid, and the boys played Star Wars (which as the party theme).

Here are some pics....

Case and his "best friend in the universe", Jack! Jack is the son of our dear friends Shad and Veronica. It's so great to have little boys in Case's life that are fun and come from families who love Jesus!

Jack, Case, and Austin eating cake and making disgusting boy jokes! What is it about little boys being together that brings out the wildness? Ha! They were great! Austin is my precious nephew. He is such a neat little guy....great character, smart as a whip, and a total goofball! Case canNOT get enough of him. You would think that they would tire of seeing one another, but every time is like the first time!

Here is my attempt at the Death Star cake. Ask Erin for the story on this one...she had me convinced that it was the easiest cake to make (she made it last year for Austin's birthday), so I went for it. About 5 minutes in I wanted to cuss. Come to find out that she is WAY more talented than me (which is NOT news), and her skill combined with her hubs' artistic ability is why it felt easy. I should have let her make it when she offered....next year, E, it's all you, kay? Love you!

Case and Austin dueling. Case is Luke (hence the blue light saber, apparently), and Austin is Darth Vader (which requires a red light saber for those of you that are Star Wars ignorant)! Ha!

Emily as Padme and Case as Luke. Emily's costume was a total throw together at the last minute. She loved it, though, so much so that she ended up ditching the idea of being Belle for Halloween and went as Padme. Gotta love that!

Case's Birthday

So, since last month we've celebrated Case's 5th Birthday. He's such a funny, charming, smart little fella. He truly is my shadow ALL day long, but he can play so well on his own and with others when asked. We started his day with "hat day" at school. He was the "Star of the Day" for his birthday, which means he got to bring the book for story time and also a special treat for snack time. He chose to bring "My Lucky Day", which is a favorite of ours to read and he chose a cookie cake for his treat.

We then celebrated by making him the guest of honor at dinner, where he got to choose what we had. He chose hamburgers (and a hotdog for Emily), rosemary and garlic baked new potatoes, and caesar salad. Thanks to Nana, we then enjoyed yummy cupcakes from a local bakery for dessert!!!

Over the weekend we had a party for him as well...those pictures to come....

Friday funnies....

Has it really almost been a month since I posted...ugh! As much as I want to capture life and all that is happening, I stink at it. Sorry!

Okay, so funnies from the mouths of my babes..

1. Emily was asking about something that Nana and I did together, but I missed the first part of her question so I said, "who?" She replied, "Nana, you know your assistant mom." (a.k.a Mother-in-Law).

2. While reading with Case I try to remind him when a vowel makes a short or a long sound in the word he's trying to sound out. So, I said, "Case, this one is a long E." And so he proceeds by saying, "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. was that long enough, Mom?"

3. While driving, especially to church each Sunday, Case often asks, "Mom, is this the short cut or the long cut?"

4. Emily while playing a game with Nana one night after dinner at our house says, "I"m so tired I could pass out."

OKay, so that's all that come to mind....but I'm sure there are more b/c these two keep me in stitches. Stay tuned for some photo updates...