Mom was right again!

Today is my last biological son's 9th birthday. It was just yesterday he was a tiny babe in the NICU with all kinds of big problems. Mom said, "It won't be long and this will be a memory." Boy was she right! All the stress and prayer, sleepless nights and worry are long gone. He is such a handsome blonde blue eyed guy. Sure makes me realize that we need to enjoy every precious moment with those that we love because in the blink of an eye they are grown and on their way into the world. I know that lots of parents are better about letting their children "fly" and be out there to experience all that life has to offer. I so miss my little birds that are out there in the world. So to my birds-----fly high----reach for the sky----but don't forget to head home every now and then. This momma is keeping the nest ready for you any time.

New Beginnings

How does one determine the resolutions that one should aspire to? I received a journal for Christmas and decided I would make it my improvement journal. I started out as a resolution list. My goodness I am a mess. Fourteen pages in and I am still coming up with needed improvements. After each major goal---I then listed small increments to get there. Bottom line is if I tried to meet all my own goals I could never sleep or go to the bathroom. Some resolutions were---exercise more, be a better kinder wife, be a better mother, keep a clean house, keep a clean car, keep laundry updated, be a better friend, do random acts of kindness, visit family more, save money---you see. Now my resolution is going to be----stop stressing yourself out and choose two to really work on. But which two??? Maybe I just need to throw the journal in with all the laundry and forget it!

The beached whale syndrome

I cooked for 2 days, prepared the multiple dishes, cleaned the fancy dishes, and cleaned a little. The result was a bunch of lay around and moan people that in a very short 30 minutes were ready for pie. I am not sure which of the 7 deadly sins we touched on this holiday but I am sure more that one.

Needed clarification

As I tried to finish the dishes from lunch at about 4:00 p.m. I overheard a discussion between my two 8 year olds and their new 6 year old brother.
Grant: I wish we could go back to McDonald's for another adoption day.
Tish: Me too. We never get to go to McDonald's.
Grant: That is because it is to much money and Momma hates it.
E.J.: Ya'll only got to go because of me.
Tish: That is not true. We went because of Kallie and Riley too.
E.J. Nope it was because now I am real.
Tish: Real what?
E.J.: A real kid.
Grant: That is stupid you were always real.
E.J.: Nope not until after McDonald's.

As I wiped a tear I thought wow kids really do have their own understanding. Do foster kids think they are fake kids until someone adopts them? My precious EJ, when he came to us as a foster kid full of energy and ready for anything he was so real I thought he might drive me crazy. How precious that God allowed him to grow into my heart. Here's to you EJ, my real son!

The clock is ticking

It is the Monday before Thanksgiving and the timer has started. I am blessed (?) to have a big turn out for Thanksgiving. My kids all come home as well as many children that have been raised in our home (98 foster kids to date). I have to begin the process on Monday saying a silent prayer for the "big girls and boys" to get home so they can help. I have to wash all the "fancy" dishes that are only used for Thanksgiving and Christmas. That means at least 4 pitchers, all the huge serving bowls, Momma's fancy platters and silverware, 30 plus fancy glasses (not really matching---but not the plastic kind you get for free from various locations), two huge roasters for the 2 turkeys and then I have to go the the store with my U Haul to get all the groceries home for the occasion. I do love Thanksgiving as there is no pressure to buy gifts etc. It is just a time to be thankful and spend time with your family. Does any one else have to make 10 pies? Furrs sure is sounding like a plan right now. The part about taking out a second mortage to pay for the meal there seems to be a problem though. Bless everyone on this the holiday of thankfulness.

It is official

Ethaniel Jay

Riley Jade

Kallie Kade

National Adoption Day in Lubbock was a wonderful day. Twenty seven children were adopted on that day. We adopted our 3, (Ethaniel Jay, Kallie Kade, and Riley Jade) It was a long day but a lot of fun. I ended up having to speak with about 5 minutes notice. I even got teary during the speech which I never do. Looking out at all the happy families of Moms, Dads, Grandparents and siblings with their new family members would touch any one. The hit of the day was the trip to McDonald's. Each of the children got to choose a bear to adopt to make it extra special. We have now adopted 7 children, have PMC of one child and 5 home grown kids. That is a baker's dozen. Kids are not cheaper by the dozen or baker's dozen for that matter but there is never a dull moment.

The excitement is building

Friday is the big day for adoption. We will travel to Lubbock for the National Adoption Day celebration. EJ, Kallie, and Riley will officially be ours. I can't wait for the day to get here. Pictures to be posted after Friday. Plan to see some smiles.