The Big Kid Date

We were one of the millions who watched The Twelve Days of Christmas performed by "Straight No Chaser" on YouTube. Sometimes it's nice to be one of the crowd.....

Anyway, Five months ago Lindsey found out the acapella men's group was having a concert here and she went out on a limb and bought tickets. It's like scheduling dental appointments for six months in the future. When they ask me if May 4th at 9:45am is okay, I literally roll my eyes every time and say, "I guess so." I have no idea how I am supposed to know these things. One of the mysteries of life, I suppose.

The idea was for Lindsey, Jerrod, Bob, and I to have a "date." Unfortunately, the soccer banquet was scheduled for the same night so we had to divide and conquer. I told Lindsey that it was a good thing she had so many siblings so that we could find SOMEBODY to use those other tickets.

Here are my date partners. Cora is actually happier than she looks. Actually, I think she was a little shell shocked being in a big city. We need to do stuff like this every so often to remind ourselves to get out of the country on occasion.

 Sisters.

 Mom and boy-man.

They were as entertaining as 10 guys could be singing across many genres of music.

They took pictures of the crowd and posted them on facebook so you could tag yourself. Clever and fun!

The only interesting part that makes this blog worthy is that Erika, much to my surprise, wasn't interested in going even after I showed her the videos on YouTube. And boy did that work out. The one African American guy in the group played it up about being in the minority, mentioning that he was the only in the room which unfortunately was probably pretty close to true. I don't think at this juncture, Erika would not have appreciated his comments or wanted to take the chance of being singled out since we were in the third row. Uncomfortable doesn't begin to describe how she would have felt, I'm guessing. Things often work out for the best if you let them.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the State House

The real story is at the bottom so bear with me!

Off topic: Big Red was thirsty. I am not complaining. I am grateful that I have a big enough van to transport my family wherever we need to go. It is days like this that I realize how easily amused I am.  I stopped "topping off" and making nice round numbers years ago. It makes reconciling the credit card statement easier. If I had 12 - $50  receipts, I would have to put on my glasses and figure out the dates on each faint receipt. The thought gives me a headache. So where the pump stops, it stops. 

And today it was this:

And exactly this:

I warned you. I am a numbers gal and I get a kick out of stuff like this.

Today we were off to the State House.

November is National Adoption Month and there is usually an event planned to honor adoptive families and state workers who help children find permanency. We gathered with many other adoptive families in the Governor's Chambers for a time of thanks. The kids got goodie bags and we heard the DHHS Director and the head of DCYF speak. Unfortunately, the governor couldn't make it. I went this year because I like the idea of celebrating adoption and also that my kids get to go into the State House.

After the event which lasted all of 30 minutes, we rallied on the steps for the prerequisite "mommy's blog" picture. I love looking at the real life pics prior to "the pose."

The real deal here, if pictures could talk....

Perspective? No, that's not quite right.

Wow, they were all looking in my general direction.

Little did I know that Mr. Squirt had a halo.

After the impromptu photo session, I did what any self respecting mother of nine would do. We played frisbee in front of the state house. We got a few looks by the suits, but that's okay, because at this point in my parenthood, I am a firm believer of letting kids be kids.

Poor Kloey hung in there in spite of a fever barely touched by pain reliever. She landed in the walk-in later in the week. That is another story.

The point of this post?

Back up six hours.

I asked my kids to get dressed and let them know it would be respectful to not wear jeans to the state house. Oh, the drama. Some kids have the nerve to grow overnight and then cannot fit into one single pair of pants. Some kids won't share their clothes even if it means their sibling is left in a t-shirt, a ratty one at that. Somehow we managed to pull it together, comb hair, and get out the door. 

As the morning progressed, the "energy" level went up. And up. And up some more.

During the drive to the event, not one word was spoken. I am NOT kidding. Five of the seven kids were sleeping. I kid you NOT. That gave me some thinking time. Time for the Holy Spirit to enter in.

Although I was excited to attend this event celebrating adoption, I don't think my kids shared my enthusiasm. I wanted them to meet the governor and shake his hand. I wanted to make sure they knew that I cherish the fact that they are adopted and we have become a family by heart love.

Guess what? 

They don't:

Cherish the fact that they are adopted.

See the need to celebrate.

Like feeling different. 

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving me insight and wisdom to be a better mother to the children You designed for our family. I have not walked in their shoes through the loss and grief and new life but You have given us the privilege of coming alongside each of them to hold, guide, protect, and help them discover who You have designed them to be. 

My prayer is that my children would know God as a gracious God who has a plan for their lives using the gifts He has given. 


(From Psalm 68)

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, 
is God in his holy dwelling. 

God sets the lonely in families...

God Did That Just For Me

Once in a while, I need to be reminded that God watches over me.

I took one of my kids into the dollar store to get a birthday present for a friend.

The medical bills are mounting and while we planned for that pre-China, the regular budget is a bit stressed. And when that happens, the little extras like treats and non-edibles are suspended. So I had no intention of buying anything. I am holding to once a week at the grocery store and doing well.

But as I was browsing I came across this plaque.

That's MY go-to verse for: 

When I am not sure about what life is throwing at me. 
When I cannot make sense of anything.
When I am afraid.

Since my spending was suspended, I put it down. Picked it up. Put it down. Turned it over and saw that the price was $2. Decided it would look good on the mudroom wall. 

I caved and decided that half a gallon of milk was worth the inspiration and hope I would feel every time I walked by this plaque on my wall.

I went up to the register, waffled some more and then decided to buy it.

It rang up as $1.20.

I laughed out loud. 

Hebrews 11:1 

Still learning to be SURE and CERTAIN.

Double Wham Bam - We're Scheduled

The rollercoaster is now on its final descent.

After meeting with the surgeon, he wasn't 100% sure Joshua had true malrotation.

Alas, after a second reading of the GI, Joshua does indeed need the Ladd procedure. While technically the surgery is optional, we cannot take the chance of Joshua ever being in a life threatening situation, caused by the malrotation, because of his already fragile health. 

So, the hospital jumped through big hoops, rearranged schedules and managed to get two doctors to work on Joshua under one dose of anesthesia. Personally, I think that is remarkable.

First, Joshua will have his teeth worked on by the dentist. He has at least 10 things to fix. I agree that it is not an option to try to get that much work done (some of it extensive) in the office. Joshua would not tolerate the stress. 

Secondly, he will have the Ladd procedure done by a pediatric surgeon. The cardiologist is in the wings helping to coordinate what is needed to keep Joshua safe.

All scheduled for November 23, the day before Thanksgiving. He will be staying overnight but we hope to be on our way home sometime on Thursday. I also think that is remarkable.

None of this was a huge surprise but the anxiety is mounting for me.

Two things going on at the same time medically; two doctors to talk with; two completely different procedures to think about and coordinate aftercare for; two office managers needing information.

And then there is the home front. Goodness but God is good all the time. My parents are coming east and are willing to rally the troops while we are pacing the halls of the hospital.

Now, I am not 100% sure what to do about Thanksgiving. 

Some of my other kids are very sensitive to change and get edgy when the schedule is out of whack.  

I am sure Thanksgiving will look a little different this year for our family because we  sure have a lot to be thankful for.

We appreciate your prayers for Joshua and our family next week and always.

Five Kids And A Play

I got a big bang for my buck this week. We participated in an "artist in residence" type program for our local homeschoolers. We hired a theatre company, Children's Stage Adventures, to spend a week training and preparing our kids to put on a musical comedy at the end of the week. With approximately 20 hours of instructions, it works out to about a semester's worth of music and fine arts!  Five of my kids joined with over 50 other home schoolers to put on "Shakespeare's Midsummer Dream."  The ages ranged from four to fifteen.  

  

 Joshua did wonderfully. He put his full powers of observation to work and fit right in.

He got the part of a Farmer, taking care of the magic purple flowers.

Joshua was front and center. 

His line was, "We plant each tiny seed by hand." 

He sang his song (in English) perfectly!

 

 Cora got the part of Starveling, 

one of the actors that is part of the play within a play.

Before and after make-up!

She is OLD!

Cora and her troupe of actors were hilarious!
 

Kloey got a part in the Duke's Court.

  

 She was a very loyal subject and belted our her lines!

 

 Erika got the part of Queen Hippolyta.

 She had some funny lines.

But refuses to smile for the camera! :)

  

  Erik and Erika had quite a few scenes together.

 

 Erik got the part of Lysander.

 He hammed it up! 

Easy for him, he is quite comfortable on stage! 

It wasn't hard for this 14 year-old to act like a love sick puppy.

Just sayin'!

The Four Friends. It was nice for these kids who all had multiple siblings in the play (like 13 others kids) to be at the top of the heap! They had a lot of fun rehearsing and adding their own flare to the scenes.

 Lots and lots of fun!

The play was a great success and enjoyed by many on Friday night. The week is a nice little respite from school work although they were still doing "school" without realizing it! I love it when it works out that way.

Another Adult Around Town

Time for a birthday. 

One of those big ones. 

That means something...when you are that age.

Now he can buy a lottery ticket. Or rent a movie. Or buy other things.

I'm not sure if he availed himself of these privileges or not.

But I do know that we enjoyed celebrating another adult in our house. A son who made it eighteen and has just begun the adventure called life.

At our house, you choose the menu on your birthday.

For dinner we had:
Grilled steak tips
Red smashed potatoes
Peas

We celebrated with chocolate cake and coffee ice cream.

This is the "smile for Mom."

Blow the house down!

Jerrod will find his way because I know God has a purpose for his life.

There is much joy in watching your children hit these milestones in life.

And boy do the knees get a work out because this is when you really learn how to pray!

Back In The Saddle

Our wonderful therapeutic riding program started back up recently after a time of reorganization and relocation. Jen and her staff are wonderful. I love it when God provides therapists who appreciate the value of treating the whole person.

Kloey has been asking almost weekly when she can start riding again. Finally I was able to surprise her and say, "How would you like to go tomorrow?"

I will never forget the first time we went to the therapeutic riding program with Kloey. She didn't say a word all the way there. There was a time a few years ago that Kloey was not where she is today. Her constant grief and trauma overshadowed everything in her life, her relationships, her behavior, her self-care, her development. After riding, she talked all the way home. It was like God came down and flipped a switch.

Something amazing happens when you are one with an animal. For a kid like Kloey, it meant she was empowered. A girl, who for five years had absolutely no control over the things that happened to her, was given control. The warmth, the movement, the ability to direct "someone" else at will, these all contribute to feelings of self-worth so important to a child.

 Guess who else got to give it a try?

Sound familiar? Someone else who has had no 

control over the things that have happened to him?

Does that smile speak volumes or what?

As I was filling out paperwork and watching the kids ride,  I realized that this was "exercise" that Joshua could actually do. It is fairly non-aerobic, yet he can move and stretch and feel empowered all at the same time. It has been a challenge to think about what he can do physically to have fun yet not feel left out or have his heart stressed by activity.

Because here is the thing. This is the best he will ever be. So we will treasure every moment, accomplishment, and experience. 

And we thank God for the privilege of loving and raising His children.

PS. Pictures taken by Whit Haynes who graciously shared them with me.

More Firsts

First, a little of this and that.

Who doesn't like a good sale? 

Micah has a pair of jammies that he has almost outgrown. We keep stuffing him in because he is so darn cute and we like to call him
"skin 'n bones."

When the girls and I came across the 75% off rack, these were a must have. Joshua said, "I am so happy."  Bonus: They glow in the dark.

I never got around to publishing my fair pictures. But I was reminded today that I paid $5 to let the kids ride ponies at the fair. I have NEVER done that before. Even when we owned horses, they begged me to buy them pony rides. No way was I paying $5 for twice around the circle! Today, Joshua got to go riding again. Hope to have a post up soon about that.

We went party hopping on Sunday. At the second party was a foreign exchange student who was pretty happy to see Joshua and wanted his picture taken with him. Joshua, however, wanted nothing to do with him or speaking Mandarin. The student came from the same area in China so I know Joshua could understand him.

This week we are participating with 52 other homeschoolers in a week long production of a musical. What these talented performers can get kids to do in one week with about 4 hours per day is remarkable. I signed up Joshua hoping he would participate as he has given me signs that he is ready to be part of the crowd.

 He is having a great time. Here he is lining up in height order. Bless his heart, he got stuck with the four year old girls. He got the part of a farmer with a bunch of eight year old girls, though!

  
This surprised me. When the big kids lined up, my kids landed next to each other. Come on guys. You have 52 other kids to mingle with.

 Hopefully, I will have pictures at the end of the week of a successful play. Rehearsals have been a struggle as we have a virus going through our house. Quick moving but still, 5 of us have succumbed. So far.

Out of the Mouth of the 18 Year Old Babe

SETTING THE SCENE:

I needed to take some of my kids south for doctor visits. 

AND

The girls informed me that it was TIME for the inevitable shopping trip to get our first "unmentionables."

Erik informed me early on in the trip what the proper language was to save him any more embarrassment than necessary as he tagged along.

Sorry, I didn't take any pictures but suffice it to say, we had a good time!

AND

We also needed to buy stretch-boy some pants because you can only wear floods so long before it becomes a-w-k-w-a-r-d!

In order to maximize our time, we waited until Jerrod got home from school and politely asked him to watch the three little boys while we were gone, at least until Dad got home. He happily complied as we had already negotiated movie time.

Oh yes, The black box. And "Power Rangers" was on the menu. In Mandarin no less. 

LATER: 

Everyone survived: Fed, watered, warm, and dry.

Checking in with the 18 year old, 

I...GOT...THIS:

"Mom, I don't think you should let the boys watch Power Rangers. They get violent!"

Fireworks went off in my mind. 

A warm glow went from the top of my head to the tip of my toes.

My incredulous response: "This.......from you?"

You see my oldest son is my (if we let him) video game/tv/movie/computer game/hard core music ADDICTED child. 

He has insisted through the years that none of that affects him........

You should have seen his face.

Busted to the Nth degree.

Connecting the dots now?

I will maintain this warm fuzzy feeling for quite some time.

I confess.....

I like to win.

Let's Play / Joshua Update

We are incredibly pleased with the care that Joshua is receiving as he makes the rounds seeing lots of doctors at our small city medical center.

Last week was a trip to the pediatric cardiologist who upped some meds and said come back in 6 months unless we have problems over the winter. He thought Joshua looked like he was breathing better and was pleased with where he is at right now. Good news!

We also saw a pediatric surgeon for the malrotation issue which is commonly found in people with dextrocardia. The surgeon is taking a harder look at the upper GI and is uncertain whether Joshua will need surgery. Prayers would be appreciated for the path to be clear for 1) whether he actually has a case of malrotation AND 2) the decision to perform surgery.

Near many of the specialists we see is a children's museum. We bought a family pass and with all the doctor's visits adding up, I think when our membership is over we will average less than $5 a visit for eight of us. Family passes rock.

Since we all go together to most of the appointments, the promise of the "indoor playground" ( as Joshua understands it) is a big incentive for the long car ride and sitting in waiting rooms. This past week we learned that seeing specialists is a minimum of an hour even though our appointment is scheduled for a 15 minute block. One doctor was delayed in surgery. After an hour with the second doctor, we realized we were the last patient of the day and he was taking his time with us making sure we understood everything.

Anyway, the indoor playground is a big hit. The little boys LOVE all the make believe pretending to be firemen, policemen, grocery store clerks, and boat drivers. The big girls LOVE it, too. They are in between growing up and being little girls and it is a blessing to watch them still play!

My guys make good looking firemen!

I am so proud of the diversity 

represented at this station. :)

When you are a kid, dressing up 

transports you into another world.

Everyone tried the pole!

Joshua wasn't so sure about that first step.

Not sure at all!

He mustered his courage and conquered the pole, twice!

Cora milked the cow!

And the dress up bin was discovered!

We will be back soon!

We are making an appointment with yet another specialist for Joshua's liver that likes to throw out funky numbers on those blood tests.

We are looking forward to getting our China man patched up and stabilized pretty soon.

He is scheduled for surgery on his teeth (lots and lots of decay) to fix 10 things on November 23. It will be an interesting first Thanksgiving for Joshua.