While pulling out of the church parking lot, taking Landon home from Cubbies on Wednesday night, I hear Landon yell from the backseat, "WAIT A MINUTE MOM, STOP!!!" I calmly reply, "Why, bud, what's wrong?" To which he yells in a panicked voice, "ETHAN DISAPPEARED!" I tried to hold back my laughter while trying to explain, that, no, Ethan had not disappeared. He was home, with Daddy, sleeping in his crib. Being the know-it-all 3 year old that he is, Landon continued to insist that Ethan had disappeared. He even followed up by saying, "Landon sad, mommy. Need to get Landon new baby brudder." Yeah, who's laughing now!?! Not me, that's for sure! Of course, I tell him that he is not getting a new baby brother, and then secretly give God that look that says, "Don't even think about it. I already know how funny you are."
PS- after I hear "Need to get Landon a new baby brudder" at least 3 more times in the car (that's what happens when you ignore a 3 year old...they just keep on repeating themselves until you answer), I finally say, "What would you name your new brother?" And, he says, without any hesitation, "Ezekiel!" haha!!!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Easter Fun!
I wonder if I'm the only one annoyed that I haven't posted any Easter pictures yet. My type A personality sometimes makes me feel like blogging is a job that I haven't gotten to. No, let me re-phrase that...blogging is a relaxing hobby of mine that I haven't gotten a chance to enjoy at all over the past week. But, who's keeping track, anyway? Not that I need an excuse, but I had some technical difficulties. Apparantly, I've reached my google max on uploading pictures to my blogger. I needed to purchase more storage space. We will see how this goes!
Our Easter fun began a couple weeks before Easter Sunday, when we took Landon and Ethan to see the Easter bunny. Landon was very excited, thinking that just like Santa, the Easter bunny took requests. Turns out, he does, and hence, the basket of goodies he received from us, our parents, and other treats from his very generous aunts and uncles who all must think Landon needs more sugar...what were you thinking??? ;) Good thing I've taught him the rule: "One per day." He says the rule, tries to make me abide by the rule (if only!), but always tries to take more than one, all while repeating "one per day." I think it's safe to say he doesn't truly get the concept. :)
We spent the day before Easter celebrating with Greg's family. A huge dinner which included some of my favorite annual foods- German Spaetzle, and Matza ball soup! YUM!
And, then, it was...Easter Sunday!!! Greg had to work 6AM-6PM, so we went to church and spent the rest of the day at my parents house. Good food, and fun times!
Our Easter fun began a couple weeks before Easter Sunday, when we took Landon and Ethan to see the Easter bunny. Landon was very excited, thinking that just like Santa, the Easter bunny took requests. Turns out, he does, and hence, the basket of goodies he received from us, our parents, and other treats from his very generous aunts and uncles who all must think Landon needs more sugar...what were you thinking??? ;) Good thing I've taught him the rule: "One per day." He says the rule, tries to make me abide by the rule (if only!), but always tries to take more than one, all while repeating "one per day." I think it's safe to say he doesn't truly get the concept. :)
We enjoyed our annual visit to Mommom and Poppops to dye eggs! Landon really has improved over this past year in fine motor and balancing skills. Although he had a few eggs hit the table with a cracking thud, most of them made it safely from the bowl to the cup and back to the carton to dry.
All by himself!
Mommom and Daddy lending a helping hand
Uncle Chris got home from work just in time to join in the fun!
Even Ethan had a fun time!
I "scored" a bottle!
I'm the overprotective mom who hovers to make sure the eggs are safe. :)
Nana and Landon finding eggs at our church's community Easter egg hunt!
Yes, a car that didn't even work, which was on the property, stole someone's attention!
We spent the day before Easter celebrating with Greg's family. A huge dinner which included some of my favorite annual foods- German Spaetzle, and Matza ball soup! YUM!
Ethan and Aunt Linda! ...love this picture for a special reason!
These two have something special in common! :)
Landon posing for a picture with the Easter basket he got from Mommom and Poppop
Ethan with his Great-Granddad!
An attempt to get a picture with my two boys!
My grandparents with their first two great grandchildren!
Family picture!
An egg hunt at Nana and Grandpop's! This has become an annual tradition!
The next morning...the Easter bunny visited our house. That way Daddy could be with us!
Can you tell how excited someone woke up?!? :)
More eggs to find!!
A boy and his dog... Love! (Sidenote here...since Dakota's leg injury last summer, she can no longer jump into our bed to sleep, so she sleeps in Landon's toddler bed!)
This weekend was filled with fun, celebrating the Russian Easter weekend in Washington DC at the Russian Embassy. I will be posting soon with those details! :)
Friday, April 6, 2012
Spring is Here!!
Here are some photos and videos of the fun we've been having so far this Spring!
Up next....Easter! I'm already REALLY enjoying the Spring Break time off here at home, getting chores done that usually fall by the wayside, and just enjoying a much slower paced daily routine.
Summer is coming!! :)
We've enjoyed...
Warm days outside in the backyard with Daddy while Mommy is at work,
Making Ethan laugh by calling Dakota over to him,
Roller Skating (a first!) with our Awana church friends!
Celebrating Daddy's birthday with Mommom, Poppop, and Grammie,
And....
SOCCER!!!
Thanks, Aunt Faith, for taking all these awesome pictures!! :)
Check out the Paparazzi!
Landon has a huge fan base...eh'hem, I mean...family who come out to support him! :)
What move is this? A jedi move?
Up next....Easter! I'm already REALLY enjoying the Spring Break time off here at home, getting chores done that usually fall by the wayside, and just enjoying a much slower paced daily routine.
Summer is coming!! :)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Special Family Day!!
Today was a very special day for us. We had our court hearing in our local county court for Landon's readoption and for Ethan's finalization. We were blessed to have some of our family there to support us, and to take photos. Here are a few of the pictures that my aunt so graciously took on my camera. I can't wait to see some of the others! :) The judge and staff did a fantastic job, making the experience very informal and friendly. You could see that these adoption cases are the highlights of their day. I have to admit, the beginning was a little challenging- It was naptime, so Landon was wired in his overtiredness, and Ethan was fussy. Trying to answer the questions our lawyer was asking us trying to keep Landon and Ethan calm and quiet was difficult, but our family stepped in and helped so we could focus on our answers.
You may wonder...why the defendant?
Perhaps because he assaulted the court official. Just kidding! He happened to be a childhood friend of Greg's who works at our courthouse.
Cheering while looking back at our boys as the judge read us the final decree!
The friendly judge was kind enough to introduce herself to both of our boys.
"Official" family of 4! :)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sole Hope
One of the really neat organizations I became familiar with at the Created For Care conference last weekend was Sole Hope. This organization was started by an adoptive couple after going to Africa to meet and bring home their child. While there, they saw countless children, and adults as well, who suffered immensely becausue they are not able to wash their feet (there is no water!) and do not have shoes either. Instead of trying to explain what is going on, I will let their videos speak for themselves. You may want to grab a tissue. I've seen these clips a few times, and each time I cry. Sole Hope provides shoes for these children. Not just by sending them over, but by empowering the African women in these villages to make the shoes, thus enabling them to provide for their families as well! A win win! And, on a personal note, I think God is trying to teach me a little more compassion in this very area- somehow I have gotten a splinter, or one of my dog's hairs, stuck deep in my heal over the past week or so. I didn't even know it had happened, and it is now too deep and sore to be taken care of on my own. So, I have to go to the doctor to see if they can get it out for me. As scared as I am for this upcoming appointment, I am trying to focus on the fact that I have so much to be thankful for. Soap, daily shower access, and shoes! ...and a doctor! Sigh. These poor, poor children! :(
May you'd consider hosting a shoe making party, or praying for these children and for the workers of Sole Hope who are working here in the US to do everything they can to bring hope to these children's soles and souls! Here is a link to their website. They have other videos, and instructions for how to host a shoe cutting party! http://www.solehope.com/
May you'd consider hosting a shoe making party, or praying for these children and for the workers of Sole Hope who are working here in the US to do everything they can to bring hope to these children's soles and souls! Here is a link to their website. They have other videos, and instructions for how to host a shoe cutting party! http://www.solehope.com/
Monday, March 26, 2012
Parenting in Grace
Unfortunately, I left the notebook with all the notes I had taken during the conference on the airplane, in the seat pocket in front of me. In attempt to try to remember as much as I can, I figured blogging about it may be a way to re-create my notes! As disappointed as I am, maybe there is someone who needs the information and scriptures that were in my notebook even more than I do.
I attended a "break out" session titled, "Parenting in Grace" during the retreat. Here are some nugges of wisdom that I know I don't want to forget. They are a few things I know I remember writing down, and don't want time to allow them to escape my memory...
Ask yourself, "What is my biggest/main goal for my child?" Many of us would say, "Above all, I want my child to love, know, and serve God with all their mind, soul, and might." Then, the goal must be to parent the heart, not the behavior. So many of us parent in a way which mirrors the goal, "I want a well behaved child." And, yes, we do! (well, at least I do!) But, it is not our job to make sure our kids never sin, and behave perfectly. If we parent the heart, the behaviors will come...and for the RIGHT reasons, not just "becasuse mom and dad said so." And, if we were honest, most of us correct behavior out of pride...my child's behavior is a direct reflection of me and my parenting, so they had BETTER behave! (I have to admit, I struggle with this!)
It is our job to train our children, and to point them to Christ. In order to do this, we need to BE Christ to them. Show our children who He is by doing what He would do. Think back to the last time you were pitching a fit, and not wanting to obey God, or do the right thing. Did God push you away, and put you in your room until you got your act together? Thankfully- no! Instead, he lovingly corrects us, and speaks to our heart, and awaits our return with open arms...before the timer goes off if we are ready! :) I have to smile at that one. Yes, I have been guilty of turning Landon down and telling him to wait until his time is up when he says, "Mom, I ready look in your eyes! I ready talk you!" Since when has God said that to me?
God doesn't punish us. To punish is to make someone pay for a penalty. God already sent His son to pay our penalty for all since past, present, and future. I don't need to make my child pay for something he does wrong. It's already paid! That's not to say there are no consequences. Boundaries, rules, and consequences are essential in this "Parenting in Grace." It's more about our own hearts as parents.
In order to parent the heart, we need to know our own heart. We need to know who we are in Jesus. Think back to John, the "desciple whom Jesus loved." I never knew this before this weekend, but no one else ever, in Scripture, ever referred to John this way, only John referred to himself as "the desciple whom Jesus loved." Wow, how braisin is that? But, he was right, wasn't he? Yes, we are the mom Jesus loves. We need to act and react with that in mind. It will also free us from much guilt... "We are the mom that Jesus loves; we are the mom that God has given this child to.
I feel like there is much more I left out. I definitely left the practical side/portion of the session out, but that is Parenting in Grace in a nutshell. Sigh. A challenging call. One I can only answer in full submission to God every day. I have to keep telling myself, "His power is made perfect in my weakness."
I attended a "break out" session titled, "Parenting in Grace" during the retreat. Here are some nugges of wisdom that I know I don't want to forget. They are a few things I know I remember writing down, and don't want time to allow them to escape my memory...
Ask yourself, "What is my biggest/main goal for my child?" Many of us would say, "Above all, I want my child to love, know, and serve God with all their mind, soul, and might." Then, the goal must be to parent the heart, not the behavior. So many of us parent in a way which mirrors the goal, "I want a well behaved child." And, yes, we do! (well, at least I do!) But, it is not our job to make sure our kids never sin, and behave perfectly. If we parent the heart, the behaviors will come...and for the RIGHT reasons, not just "becasuse mom and dad said so." And, if we were honest, most of us correct behavior out of pride...my child's behavior is a direct reflection of me and my parenting, so they had BETTER behave! (I have to admit, I struggle with this!)
It is our job to train our children, and to point them to Christ. In order to do this, we need to BE Christ to them. Show our children who He is by doing what He would do. Think back to the last time you were pitching a fit, and not wanting to obey God, or do the right thing. Did God push you away, and put you in your room until you got your act together? Thankfully- no! Instead, he lovingly corrects us, and speaks to our heart, and awaits our return with open arms...before the timer goes off if we are ready! :) I have to smile at that one. Yes, I have been guilty of turning Landon down and telling him to wait until his time is up when he says, "Mom, I ready look in your eyes! I ready talk you!" Since when has God said that to me?
God doesn't punish us. To punish is to make someone pay for a penalty. God already sent His son to pay our penalty for all since past, present, and future. I don't need to make my child pay for something he does wrong. It's already paid! That's not to say there are no consequences. Boundaries, rules, and consequences are essential in this "Parenting in Grace." It's more about our own hearts as parents.
In order to parent the heart, we need to know our own heart. We need to know who we are in Jesus. Think back to John, the "desciple whom Jesus loved." I never knew this before this weekend, but no one else ever, in Scripture, ever referred to John this way, only John referred to himself as "the desciple whom Jesus loved." Wow, how braisin is that? But, he was right, wasn't he? Yes, we are the mom Jesus loves. We need to act and react with that in mind. It will also free us from much guilt... "We are the mom that Jesus loves; we are the mom that God has given this child to.
I feel like there is much more I left out. I definitely left the practical side/portion of the session out, but that is Parenting in Grace in a nutshell. Sigh. A challenging call. One I can only answer in full submission to God every day. I have to keep telling myself, "His power is made perfect in my weakness."
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Appetizer
What a weekend! I was given the amazing opportunity to join a friend in going to the March Created 4 Care Adoptive Mom's Conference. I was thankful for the time "to myself" (while simultaneously missing my 3 at home...is that possible?), challenged by many training sessions, encouraged by the countless ordinary heros who were there to share their ministries, and blown away by the power you feel sitting in a room of 400-500 adoptive moms. I was just overwhelmed with emotion when I heard the statistic: our room of mom's represented over 1,000 once orphaned now in forever families. Wow. God is good! I'll try to just re-cap in short and hopefully have the chance to blog more over the next few days and weeks on each of these life changing aspects.
The R&R- for the first time (okay, our one sick night in February doesn't really count) since Dec. 2010, I was able to sleep in a deep, responsible/worry free state. Especially since Greg has returned to working nights, I have been feeling like I am not truly sleeping at nights. I feel as if I am constantly on call, thinking I heard a cry, a cough, or a little one up to use the potty. Now, if we had gone to bed earlier, or slept in a little, maybe I'd feel more rested, but we didn't. :) There is just too much to catch up on or to share or learn when you are rooming with friends who share your passion.
The Ministries- As you probably already know, I have had this huge burden for all the children we left behind when we brought Landon home from Russia. I know bringing them all home (or even 1 more) would be impossible right now, but I keep asking God to show me what else I could do here and now in the meantime. I was excited to have the opportunity at C4C to learn about many organizations which were created to aid orphans and widows worldwide, the imprisoned children of Africa, to educate and help empower a working class in 3rd world countries, and ministries which help support fundraising for adoptive families. Many of these organizations have been started just in the past few years, by "ordinary" people like you and me. Their individual stories are amazing, and are proof that we can make a difference! Over the next few weeks I will try to share some of the ministries I encountered while at C4C, and pray you may discover a new way God wants to use you.
The Fellowship- I was able to meet many others who have adopted from Russia (and many other countries) while at C4C. We were able to share/swap stories, and man, is that ecouraging! I met a lady who literally sat in the Moscow courtroom a week before we did with the same translator, and the same travel coordinator as we did. I was able to meet two separate moms who went to Russia one time, adopted a sibling group, then returned a little over a year later to bring subsequent sibling groups home at the request of their "already home" children. WOW! If you only knew the details! And to think our story was crazy! Theirs completely blows ours out of the water. (Don't worry, I'm not saying that in a jealous way at all...these ladies somehow are mothers to 7 and 10...way out of my league!) I was also able to meet a local group of about 10 moms who welcomed me into their group. I look forward to joining them at one of their small support groups.
The Training- Adoptee Panel- I was able to hear a 21 year old boy, Alex, who was adopted by Dr. Susan T (one of the amazing moms mentioned above...the mom of 10 (8 from Russia!) just lavish on his mother because, in response to the question, "What is it that your parents did or did not do to help you to heal from your past hurts", replied by saying that his mom loved them all no matter what they were doing to her...kicking, biting, hitting, etc. She just loved on them during it all. WOW. That is hard... And, he went on to say, that although he feels his mom and dad did so many good things to help him heal, he thinks that pointing him to Christ was the answer. Only Christ could heal his heart. Wow again. While listening to this young man speak, I wondered how fast those years have felt to Dr. Susan, and what it might feel like to sit in the audience and watch your boy, grown up, and so handsome and mature, speak to a room full of moms about his life.... One of the most challenging, yet amazing training classes I went to was called, "Parenting in Grace." This truly deserves its own post. The challenge was to parent the heart, not the behavior. A deep statement that I will expound on later.
What an amazing weekend this was. It feels like I just came home from a missions trip. The difference is, rather than desiring to go back to a group of people I visited, I am happy to be home, back with the ones I am called to show Jesus to everyday, no matter how tired or busy I am. I am going to try to be better at that by changing my focus from "It's impossible to be the kind of wife, mother, and teacher I want to be- there's not enough hours in the day or strength in my body" to "Of course I can't do this on my own- I'm not supposed to. I need supernatural intervention!"
The R&R- for the first time (okay, our one sick night in February doesn't really count) since Dec. 2010, I was able to sleep in a deep, responsible/worry free state. Especially since Greg has returned to working nights, I have been feeling like I am not truly sleeping at nights. I feel as if I am constantly on call, thinking I heard a cry, a cough, or a little one up to use the potty. Now, if we had gone to bed earlier, or slept in a little, maybe I'd feel more rested, but we didn't. :) There is just too much to catch up on or to share or learn when you are rooming with friends who share your passion.
The Ministries- As you probably already know, I have had this huge burden for all the children we left behind when we brought Landon home from Russia. I know bringing them all home (or even 1 more) would be impossible right now, but I keep asking God to show me what else I could do here and now in the meantime. I was excited to have the opportunity at C4C to learn about many organizations which were created to aid orphans and widows worldwide, the imprisoned children of Africa, to educate and help empower a working class in 3rd world countries, and ministries which help support fundraising for adoptive families. Many of these organizations have been started just in the past few years, by "ordinary" people like you and me. Their individual stories are amazing, and are proof that we can make a difference! Over the next few weeks I will try to share some of the ministries I encountered while at C4C, and pray you may discover a new way God wants to use you.
The Fellowship- I was able to meet many others who have adopted from Russia (and many other countries) while at C4C. We were able to share/swap stories, and man, is that ecouraging! I met a lady who literally sat in the Moscow courtroom a week before we did with the same translator, and the same travel coordinator as we did. I was able to meet two separate moms who went to Russia one time, adopted a sibling group, then returned a little over a year later to bring subsequent sibling groups home at the request of their "already home" children. WOW! If you only knew the details! And to think our story was crazy! Theirs completely blows ours out of the water. (Don't worry, I'm not saying that in a jealous way at all...these ladies somehow are mothers to 7 and 10...way out of my league!) I was also able to meet a local group of about 10 moms who welcomed me into their group. I look forward to joining them at one of their small support groups.
The Training- Adoptee Panel- I was able to hear a 21 year old boy, Alex, who was adopted by Dr. Susan T (one of the amazing moms mentioned above...the mom of 10 (8 from Russia!) just lavish on his mother because, in response to the question, "What is it that your parents did or did not do to help you to heal from your past hurts", replied by saying that his mom loved them all no matter what they were doing to her...kicking, biting, hitting, etc. She just loved on them during it all. WOW. That is hard... And, he went on to say, that although he feels his mom and dad did so many good things to help him heal, he thinks that pointing him to Christ was the answer. Only Christ could heal his heart. Wow again. While listening to this young man speak, I wondered how fast those years have felt to Dr. Susan, and what it might feel like to sit in the audience and watch your boy, grown up, and so handsome and mature, speak to a room full of moms about his life.... One of the most challenging, yet amazing training classes I went to was called, "Parenting in Grace." This truly deserves its own post. The challenge was to parent the heart, not the behavior. A deep statement that I will expound on later.
What an amazing weekend this was. It feels like I just came home from a missions trip. The difference is, rather than desiring to go back to a group of people I visited, I am happy to be home, back with the ones I am called to show Jesus to everyday, no matter how tired or busy I am. I am going to try to be better at that by changing my focus from "It's impossible to be the kind of wife, mother, and teacher I want to be- there's not enough hours in the day or strength in my body" to "Of course I can't do this on my own- I'm not supposed to. I need supernatural intervention!"
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