Enough in Life

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.

Bald is beautiful!

Move over Grandpa- Kaden wanted to look like you!

We had been throwing around the idea of shaving Kaden's hair for awhile now. One of the biggest questions when adopting an African American child is hair care. I had read up on it quite a bit and asked others questions, but in all honestly, I don't think I was doing the greatest job. Kaden's hair was feeling really dry despite my best efforts of putting oil on his hair daily. Anyway- the kids talked me into shaving his hair today, and after the fabulous time he had in our sand box today unto which half of the sand ended up in his hair- I had to agree. I'm not sure if I am totally used to it yet- but my kids think he looked like Michael Jordan. I just think he is CUTE no matter what.

Home improvements

Good thing I just blogged about how I loved my house cause after hours upon hours working on Kaden's room today- I'm not sure how much I am loving all this home improvement business. (My arms hurt, my back hurts and I hurt!) My awesome friend Brandy who I met at church came over today to help me- (or more like teach me). We worked hard taping and mudding Kaden's new room. For those of you who have never done that before- you gotta try it- you have no idea what you are missing. ;0) No really- as Brandy and I were working away I knew that God once again had blessed me with a friend who would stand by my side, with Spackle in hand, and help out just because that is the kind of friend she is. I am sure she had a MILLION other things she would rather be doing- but she chose to help me today and I TOTALLY APPRECIATE YOU BRANDY! THANK YOU!!!

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. Ecclesiastes 4:9

Home is where your heart is

I truly love where we live… when we came house hunting a little over a year ago now, we were just so frustrated trying to find the right house for our family. Almost everything we could find that we could afford, was too small for our ever growing family. I kept praying and asking God to put us exactly where He wanted us to be- and I’d deal with the rest. Well, down at the very end of a long gravel road was where we found our safe haven. It was the only house out of the 100 that we looked at that both Todd and I thought 'this could be it'. Yet, once we stepped inside- we were so disappointed. It was definitely a fixer upper- the carpets were stained and really stinky, the walls were dirty and the kitchen was neon green with red counter tops. (Not kidding). Yet, we both knew this would be our new home. Today, after a year of hard work and ongoing construction-(as we can afford it) I THANK GOD for leading us down that gravel road to our new home. It may not be perfect, it may not be grand- but it is the perfect place for us to raise our children and make precious memories.
Lord, I ‘thought’ I needed more… but you knew exactly what I needed. I needed more of you… I was still fighting the idea that happiness is in materialistic things, I was confused and led astray by the world views of success and you knew that Lord, you knew me, and you knew what was best.








Today as I took my children outside for a walk around our yard, I saw you Lord - you were there, just as promised- and there is nothing else I desire more. I saw you in the eyes of my children, I saw you in their smiles. I saw you in the beautiful flowers and the still pond. Thank you for your presence in our home, our lives and our family. Thank you for providing this home for us, where we feel safe, loved, secure. A place where we can grow, and change- a place where we can focus on you. Thank you for knowing exactly what I need. Thank you.

1st post placement visit

Today our caseworker came out for Kaden's first post placement visit. It went really well and she told me she was blown away at how much he had already bonded to us. He of course put on the charm for her (that's my boy) but there was no way he was going to let her get too close to him either. He is definitely a mama's boy. I am so proud of my little man and we are crazy in love with this precious child! We feel really blessed to be working with such an amazing agency- they truly care about these children they serve. She told me what a huge need there is for foster/adoptive families right now- and how so many times she has seen other children come through the system who would flourish in a good family-but there are just not enough out there. If God has ever spoken to you and put fostering or adopting in your heart- I beg you to take that first step... you will never, ever regret it.

Questions and answers

This will be a very blessed Mother's Day. What will you do?

I had to run and check my calendar to see when Mother's Day was! One because I panicked due to the fact that I haven't thought of anything to get my mom (I know mom- you always tell me not to get you anything!) and also because Mothers Day is MY FAVORITE. Yep- you are going to see first hand, right here and now how shallow I really am. I love Mother's day because it's all about ME! (Sad, but true). I know- my birthday is also about me, but I have to turn a year older on that day and that is never fun. But Mother's Day- it's all good. You see, we have this sort of unspoken rule here in my family on Mother's Day...the kids, they aren't allowed to fight with each other on Mother's Day- at all, ever. They spend the entire day biting their lip, smiling at one another and treating me like a queen. Their dad has done a very, very good job at brain washing them into believe that this HAS to be done at least once a year. So yes, every Mother's day I wake up to breakfast in bed (typical menu of burnt peanut butter toast) and a mangled dandelion in a vase. (my favorite). The kids then present their beautiful 'handmade gifts' that some wonderful teach thought of and knew would just make my day. Then they quietly dress in their Sunday best for church, careful not to cause any problems for their dear mother. After church I am treated to lunch out and then off the nursery we go to pick out a couple of hanging baskets for our front porch and perhaps some other flowers to plant in various flower beds around our house. Everyone joins in this event whether they want to or not (yes my teenage boys especially love this part). As evening comes and our long day of togetherness comes to an end, I slip into bed with a smile on my face- reliving the memories of the day. My kids on the other hand, head off to bed exhausted and glad the day is over- for tomorrow they can go back to life as they know it-me waiting on them.

Questions and answers

What is the exact foster adopt process?? we are looking into possibly doing this; however, we are not on the same page right now. We are still praying, but I would love to get some info from someone who has done it. Thanks.Elizabeth

While my heart will always, always be in international adoption for obvious reasons (those kids don’t have a government who will provide for them- food, clothing, health care, etc) we really enjoyed adopting from the foster care system as well. I will be honest and tell you that I had heard some horror stories and I was a little sceptical going into it- but to be fair, I had heard horror stories about international adoption as well. I would say the biggest difference was the cost. Obviously international adoption is quite expensive (although worth every single penny of it)- the foster adopt process is FREE! Paperwork wise- it was about the same for us as with international adopt. With international adoption though we did not have to take ‘parenting classes’ and with the foster system we did. When we first signed up for the classes I figured there was not a whole lot they were going to be able to teach me- after all, I already had six children- and 2 of them were adopted. Boy was I wrong. Todd and I really, really enjoyed the 2 weeks worth of training and learned so much! We went with a Christian agency so it had a Christian view on the teachings and it was wonderful. As for the wait- for most families the wait is very minimal. For us- because of our family size, we are considered a ‘group home’ (yikes) so we did have to wait a little longer. The more open you are to race, age, sex, or special needs- the quicker it will happen. The more selective you are- the longer it may take to find a match. I have known many families who have a match within a day to a week. With Kaden- we are doing a straight adoption out of the foster care system. You can do that if they find a child who is legally free for adoption like Kaden was- meaning the parents rights were already terminated. Or you can foster to adopt- and if the child becomes legally free the foster parents always have the first option to adopt. Kaden’s foster parents didn’t feel it was right to adopt him due to their age. Doing the foster to adopt route is typically the quickest- although, you have to be willing to put your heart on the line and know there is a chance that child might go back to their birth parents- or relatives. (but think of the difference you made in their lives while you had them!) Or you can just foster- and most likely they will place a child with you who they do not feel will become free for adoption- although, again there are never any guarantees. We chose to go through an agency and not straight through CPS (child protective services). I am really glad we did. I love our agency- love what they stand for and the people are fantastic. If we have any problem they are right there by our side- and once again- for free. :0) Because Kaden is African American and because he has a special need- he does receive subsidy until he is 18. It is not a lot, but enough to help raise him. Also, because he was a foster child- he will also go to any state college in our state for free. I guess that was a lot more info than you really asked for-so I’ll finally get to your real question. The process: Find a good foster agency and sign up for classes. (each agency seems to vary on how they do their training). Ours was during the evenings and weekends- some just do weekends. After the training they will do a homestudy on your family, talk to you about what kind of child you are open to and talk through any questions or concerns you might have. Then once you get fingerprinted and the fire marshal comes out and inspects your house - you are done and ready to go on the waiting list. Actually it was all really easy and so worth it!!!

Not my strength, but yours

Something has been bothering me… I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I knew something wasn’t quite right. I was handling everything ok, or so I though… I was taking care of the kids, making sure everyone was getting their share of attention, the laundry was being done, dinners were being prepared. Sure we still had ongoing construction on our house, and we had just done a garage sale in the middle of adding child #7- but something was missing… something felt wrong. I scurried through the day, washing down the counters, picking up the dirty socks that were left under the bed, the school papers were signed, dentist appointments were made, and the dog was walked. Yet, I still felt lost, disconnected. Then ever so gently, I felt Him- that soft nudge. It was almost as if I felt God's hand on my shoulder and I heard his voice say ‘But do you have time left for me?” You see, so often we run through the day filling the hours with so many different things. Those things might all be ‘good things’ or even important things- but none of them are more important than spending time with God. These past few weeks have been great- I had been praying for this for so long. But the one thing I forgot as I crashed into bed each night- was to spend time with God. I was careful to listen to my kids feelings, Todd and I spent time talking with each other, I had met all of Kaden's needs- but I forgot about God. I was so focused on trying to ‘do it all’ and ‘make it all work’ so busy with my plans that I didn’t even look to the one who planned this day for me in the first place.

It amazes me how God will just sit and wait patiently… how He’ll let us try to run around and ‘figure it all out’ on our own- while He waits for us to notice Him. As I fell on my knees before Him today asking for forgiveness- I told Him how sorry I was that I tried to take over and do things my way and I felt the biggest weight disappear off my shoulders. How about you? What are you trying to do your own today? Have you turned it over to Him? God gave me the blessing of this new child- and let me be a part of His plan. He asked me to work with Him raising Kaden (as well as my other children) not for me to try to take over and take on the world on the own. If ‘I’ keep getting in the way of His plan- then what good will that do Kaden or anyone else for that matter?
Philippians 4:13 says “I can do everything through him who gives me strength." So you see, I can do what He has planned for me to do THROUGH HIM- NOT on my own-and that is exactly what I had been trying to do. Even in my best efforts, even with a pure heart- I was trying to do it on my own. That is not what He intended for me to do- not a burden He intended for me to bear.
Lord, help me to take each day one at a time, to look to you when I feel weak as well as when I feel strong. Help me to walk beside you always. You are an open door where we can find comfort, rest, strength and healing. When I get caught up in the busyness of life- remind me that I am not alone. These gifts you have given to me were never intended to wear me down- but to be pure blessings. Help me Lord to be so close to you that you are seen in my walk, my talk, my emotions and in my life. May I be an example of a broken life made complete in you.

QUESTIONS anyone??

Ok- since I don't have as much time to write or think of blog posts I was wondering if any of you had any questions you'd like to ask me? Maybe about raising 7 kids, about foster adoption vs. international, about being a multi racial family, my shoe size-really anything. Fire away!!!

Small, dark and handsome...

Sorry, Mr. Blog but you have been dumped for someone new who is small, dark and handsome- and takes up every single waking minute of my life. (And even some of the sleeping minutes) He's really very sweet- but also very demanding. He is a charmer- who can melt my heart with a single smile, but can yell at the top of his lungs if need be to gain attention. He's tiny in stature but BIG in attitude. He moved in- took over- and I have a feeling our lives will never be the same. The others, they don't seem to mind, they are quite taken with him too. He can make the biggest mess I have EVER SEEN with one small cookie- and in 3 seconds flat can have every pot and pan out of the cabinet and onto the floor. When not in destructive mode- he enjoys quiet wagon rides along the long dirt road and swinging outside in the sun. (As long as I am right beside him giving him my full attention). He has taken your place Mr. Blog- I hope one day you will understand. For this time goes so fast, and soon he will grow- and one day be gone. Then, I will look back on these days of messy fingerprints and lost sleep and pray they were here again.

9th place!

This past weekend Addisyn traveled to San Antonio with her school for 3 days to participate in the state competition for TMSCA. She placed 9th in the state in Mathematics and received a trophy for her efforts! WAY TO GO Addisyn! (Who needs cheerleading now??) She also had a blast staying in the hotel, going to Sea World and hanging out with friends.

Big Day

Saturday was a big day for Mya. First she had sign ups for Kindergarten- which she is very excited about. (And her mommy is not!) And then she had her first real soccer game. They pretty much got creamed- but she didn't notice at all. She loved having her daddy coach her and her own fan club in the stands. (Another good thing about being in a big family- you always have your own fan club!) I'm proud of you Mya Papaya!

Dress up

What happens when you have big sisters?


You learn to love the color PINK!

Guatemalan Baby wrap

This was too cute not to share... Last night after giving Aleigha her bath she came running into the kitchen to show me how she had wrapped her 'baby' around her just like the real Guatemalan mommies do! :0)

Curl

There once was a little girl

Who had a little curl

Right in the middle of her forehead.

And when she was good,

She was really, really good-

And when she was bad,

She was rotten. (Thankfully not!)

Chicken and Sour Cream Enchilada's

A friend of mine from small groups made these and they were wonderful. Thought I'd pass on the recipe!

Boil 4-6 chicken breast until cooked. Cool and cut up into small pieces or shred. Pour in 1/2 c. chicken broth and add chopped green chilies (or jalapenos), salt, pepper and then let simmer on low. This will be the filling.
In a skillet melt 1/2 stick butter then add some flour, stir, add 1/2 c. milk and cook to look like gravy. Add 16 oz. carton of sour cream and stir. Heat thoroughly.
Fill about 12 flour tortillas and place in a greased pan. Add some shredded cheese on top and then the sour cream mixture. Cook about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy!

Paranoid and lack of sleep...

I am feeling paranoid and so I took the new pictures off my blog- well, most of them anyway. Boring to post without pictures I know but even though it's private now I just do not want to take any chances. I spoke with my caseworker today- and she said that in 2 days his video had close to 600 hits. Oops. She did say that when his adoption was final she wanted to use the video on the agency website so that was good. I feel bad though because I just think his caseworker didn't know we were not supposed to put it out there publicly and of course I didn't know it either. I hate feeling like a rule breaker. I really like to play life by the rules (most of the time anyway!) And the sleep issues... first can I tell you all how perfect Kaden is? Seriously, he is just so sweet and smiles all the time. He is 17 months old however and likes to explore- but he is really a pretty easy baby and so sweet. (When he hugs you he just melts into you). But at night- YIKES. Todd and I are basically taking turns (it's his night tonight- YEAH!) Kaden will sleep from about 8-midnight and then he will walk up and have sort of night terrors. Mya did this too for a few months after she came home. I think it is because during the day it is busy and things are new and they don't have time to really think about things. But at night- it's quiet and it's almost like their little bodies cannot handle all the changes. It is so sad. So we basically just have to walk with him and console him (Mya was old enough at least when she came home that she could talk about what was upsetting her or the bad dream she was having) but Kaden cannot. So, we walk and hug, and rub his back and sing to him and just help him work through this. It truly breaks my heart how much he has had to endure in such a short lifetime. It is just not fair and it's not right. Last night as I was walking with him I kept telling him over and over how we will never ever let anyone hurt him again. I am so thankful once again for his foster mom- knowing that for the past year she has done the same for him means the world to me. I know they are still missing him and love him dearly. I spoke with her on the phone today... I know she is feeling sort of 'replaceable' because he is adjusting so well with us. That is of course what she wanted- but still, if I were in in her shoes I cannot image how hard that would be. I told her that what I loved about her was that she was willing to hurt herself to give these precious children a safe home while they need it. Then she has to have her heart ripped out each and every time they move on-and she does it anyway. Most people I know say 'I could never foster because I could not give the child back". I am one of those people. I have said those exact words. And I think that is why I am so forever grateful that she did it. She took the pain for someone else's sake. I see Jesus in her and it an awesome thing.

Mya's readoption Day

Today we went to the court house and had Mya's readoption done. She is now officially Mya Sofia Jennifer (big name for a little girl, I know) She was VERY excited and the judge let her sit on his lap and hold the gavel. It was so cute. The big kids had to go to school today so they didn't get to be there, but don't worry, Mya told them all about it when they got home!

Gone private...

So ya, I had to go private on my blog today... I really didn't think it was too big of a deal because I am not even sure if anyone is out there reading it anyway. But now I will know who 'could be' reading it (WA HA HA HA HA) So what happened was this. I showed my caseworker Kaden's video and she cried and loved it. Then she showed Kaden's caseworker who cried and loved it. So she showed her supervisor who loved it (not sure if she cried) hee/hee but she said that we could not have it on You Tube because of privacy. Now, after we were chosen for Kaden, I asked his caseworker if I could share his picture with others and she said yes because he was already on a news video and he was already on an adoption photolisting site for the state of Texas. They shared some pretty private info on those if you ask me and used his real birth name. So, I went ahead and shared new pictures. Well, she found out today that she was wrong and said that we had better take the video off of you tube until his adoption is final. (She did say I was allowed to share it as long as it was private and not the world wide web). So- I decided that my blog also contained 'pictures and information about him publicly' so that I had better make that private as well for now. Boring story- nothing too excited- but we just want to do whatever is best for Kaden. His case was a high profile case- meaning that it was in the newspapers several times and there were people arrested and investigations done on a well know facility. So, while we are not at all afraid of his birth family seeking him out- we do want to keep his privacy and protect him. There you have it. I'm feeling really 'private' right now. :0)

When you say yes to God...

Kaden moves in today for good. I cannot even begin to tell you how hard yesterday was without him. My heart was breaking and I missed him so much. Yet no matter how painful that was- it was nothing compared to what Christ endured on the cross for us. I never want to forget that and spent yesterday really reflecting on it. As we sit here waiting for the caseworkers and Kaden and his foster mom to show up, the girls are bouncing up and down on the couch watching out the front window. I’m not sure why I bothered to clean the window’s earlier today because they are now covered with fingerprints. None of that really matters though you know, sometimes I think I am too guilty of letting the ‘little’ things get to me when there are so many more important things to take care of in our world.
But as I watched the girls chatting excitedly about their new baby brother- it hit me how close I actually came to missing this. I remember back to that day- the day we received Kaden’s files… and the memory of the fear comes rushing back as if I were right there again that day. That paralyzing fear- the kind that can stop you from really living because you are so afraid of the unknown. You know, I don’t have any guarantees that our life with Kaden will be easy- just like I don’t have any guarantee that our life without Kaden would have been easy. But what I do have is total peace in our decision to allow God to use us- and in doing so- he has blessed us beyond anything I could have ever imagined for ourselves. I cannot explain to you the joy I feel when Kaden curls into my lap, when he searches for me as I leave the room and how his smile makes my heart melt into a million pieces. It is a joy like no other. He did not come from my womb- but he is just the same my son and I am so grateful that I get to be his mother. From this experience I have learned to trust God more fully- even when it doesn’t make sense, and even at a risk to myself. He always, always has the better plan. If there was one thing I could tell you today- it’s to really live. Really put yourself out there- fight for a cause- give of yourself. Don’t worry what other people think, don’t care if it’s not the popular thing to do- just live big for God. Its what you are here for you know. I’ll end this with a poem I have on my frig door….

God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.
God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe. God won't ask what your highest salary was; He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it, and performed your job to the best of your ability.
God won't ask how many friends you had; He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character.
God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation; He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.