Tomorrow, we will read about worms, especially the parts about why they have to live outside.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Why I Totally "Dig" Homeschooling...
Underneath our back deck, there is mud. Gooey, wet, brown mud. The best kind for kids. This evening the girls were outside playing and all of a sudden we heard excited cheers. They both ran in the house screaming that they had found worms! They have been digging for these creatures for over an hour.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Waiting and Hoping...
Scott and I became foster parents in January. One week later we had C and H in our home for the weekend. They were two of a group of four siblings. I had so many mixed emotions, "are these our kids forever?", "can I really do this?", and "how can you not love them?". It was a hectic weekend and in the end we had to say no, a painful reality that we could not take on this sibling group. We didn't entirely say no as we felt we could parent H, the sweetest 4 year old girl I have ever met. There was talk of splitting the siblings up but after a week of back and forth, it seemed hopeless.
They went back to their foster home and I prayed that it wasn't the last time I saw them. About a month later, I found them on a website as a sibling group of four. My heart sank, thinking this was surely a sign that it wasn't meant to be. Just a couple of weeks later, I found H on another website, all by herself. The sibling split had occurred but they had forgotten about us. Frantically, I made tons of phone calls and finally got ahold of an adoption specialist at the agency that has H. A tear filled conversation followed and again my hopes of H were gone. It seemed they had already identified families for her. This lady did tell me she would speak to her supervisor about our home and get back to me.
It seemed like forever and I had lost hope again, but she got back to me saying they would consider our family for H. Oh, I was so happy! Come to find out we didn't have an adoption home study, which is different than a foster care homestudy, from our agency and our agency wasn't sure how to get one. Another closed door. Then the agency came back saying they would accept our summary from our foster care homestudy.
A couple of months have passed and again, I didn't hear anything. I had pretty much given up hope. I knew it was long shot but I wanted her so badly. Finally, I heard that we were one of 3 families chosen to be considered at something they call a best interest staffing. I couldn't believe it! We are now doing the paperwork shuffle and hoping that we are chosen.
We find out by June 1st. I couldn't be more nervous but I know that my God has plans for us. We were taken on this journey for a reason and perhaps it isn't a reason we will be able to readily identify but I know this is part of His great plan.
So here we are, praying, waiting, and hoping it's us but ultimately hoping that the best family for H is chosen, even if it isn't us.
They went back to their foster home and I prayed that it wasn't the last time I saw them. About a month later, I found them on a website as a sibling group of four. My heart sank, thinking this was surely a sign that it wasn't meant to be. Just a couple of weeks later, I found H on another website, all by herself. The sibling split had occurred but they had forgotten about us. Frantically, I made tons of phone calls and finally got ahold of an adoption specialist at the agency that has H. A tear filled conversation followed and again my hopes of H were gone. It seemed they had already identified families for her. This lady did tell me she would speak to her supervisor about our home and get back to me.
It seemed like forever and I had lost hope again, but she got back to me saying they would consider our family for H. Oh, I was so happy! Come to find out we didn't have an adoption home study, which is different than a foster care homestudy, from our agency and our agency wasn't sure how to get one. Another closed door. Then the agency came back saying they would accept our summary from our foster care homestudy.
A couple of months have passed and again, I didn't hear anything. I had pretty much given up hope. I knew it was long shot but I wanted her so badly. Finally, I heard that we were one of 3 families chosen to be considered at something they call a best interest staffing. I couldn't believe it! We are now doing the paperwork shuffle and hoping that we are chosen.
We find out by June 1st. I couldn't be more nervous but I know that my God has plans for us. We were taken on this journey for a reason and perhaps it isn't a reason we will be able to readily identify but I know this is part of His great plan.
So here we are, praying, waiting, and hoping it's us but ultimately hoping that the best family for H is chosen, even if it isn't us.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Stepping away...
Seems I only come back to this blog when I need a social networking break.
Well, here I am again.
Feeling very convicted to step away from Facebook. Everyday I find myself annoyed, angry, or irritated by silly things. My goal is to step completely away for the summer. I am going to hide out in the peace of my home with my children. I don't even feel like going anywhere.
If you are looking for me, I can always be reached on email.
Well, here I am again.
Feeling very convicted to step away from Facebook. Everyday I find myself annoyed, angry, or irritated by silly things. My goal is to step completely away for the summer. I am going to hide out in the peace of my home with my children. I don't even feel like going anywhere.
If you are looking for me, I can always be reached on email.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Seasonal Depression Disorder
We lived in sunny San Diego for 3 years before moving to Kansas. I didn't even know what Seasonal Depression Disorder was and even if I did, I knew it couldn't possibly affect me.
Oh, I was wrong. Last year, I thought I was just dealing with postpartum issues and some post traumatic stress. This year, I thought for sure things would be better. I came across this funny on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago.
It is so true. Since the time changed, it seems like the weather took a drastic change. The sun hasn't come out in 3 days. I am sad, grumpy, and irritable. I have another 4 months of this weather. Must get one of these...
Hopefully, for my family and myself, this will work and I will be my happy self again soon. I hope Santa hears my pleas all the way at the North Pole. I wonder if he suffers from Seasonal Depression Disorder? Surely, not his jolly ol' self.
May the three of you that actually read this blog, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh, I was wrong. Last year, I thought I was just dealing with postpartum issues and some post traumatic stress. This year, I thought for sure things would be better. I came across this funny on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago.
It is so true. Since the time changed, it seems like the weather took a drastic change. The sun hasn't come out in 3 days. I am sad, grumpy, and irritable. I have another 4 months of this weather. Must get one of these...
Hopefully, for my family and myself, this will work and I will be my happy self again soon. I hope Santa hears my pleas all the way at the North Pole. I wonder if he suffers from Seasonal Depression Disorder? Surely, not his jolly ol' self.
May the three of you that actually read this blog, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Reason, Season, or Lifetime
I believe that everyone has a need for friends. One of my biggest fears in moving to a new place was that friends would be hard to come by. I knew I didn't have much time to devote to friendships but I knew God heard my prayer. I made a friend and what a joy it was!
My little basket was full and soon I was confident I had made a lifetime friend.
Sadly, this friendship was for a REASON, not a lifetime.
Reason, Season, or Lifetime
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
— Unknown
I haven't figured out what the reason is but I know that the Lord has a plan for me. I know His truth will be revealed. I know that the Lord heard my prayer, I know that He answered my prayer, and I know that I am thankful for the time we were friends.
It is hard to be betrayed and hurt. It is hard to not know what happened. It is hard to say goodbye. I will rejoice in the happy memories and I will forever hold a special place in my heart for my friend. I will give praise to the Lord and have unyielding faith that He knows EXACTLY what I need.
"When one door closes, another opens" - Alexander Graham Bell
I know that a door in my life unexpectedly closed but I have faith that another will open. I can feel Christ's love, even in my sorrow, and I know that I will see the blessing He has given me.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
My little basket was full and soon I was confident I had made a lifetime friend.
Sadly, this friendship was for a REASON, not a lifetime.
Reason, Season, or Lifetime
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
— Unknown
I haven't figured out what the reason is but I know that the Lord has a plan for me. I know His truth will be revealed. I know that the Lord heard my prayer, I know that He answered my prayer, and I know that I am thankful for the time we were friends.
It is hard to be betrayed and hurt. It is hard to not know what happened. It is hard to say goodbye. I will rejoice in the happy memories and I will forever hold a special place in my heart for my friend. I will give praise to the Lord and have unyielding faith that He knows EXACTLY what I need.
"When one door closes, another opens" - Alexander Graham Bell
I know that a door in my life unexpectedly closed but I have faith that another will open. I can feel Christ's love, even in my sorrow, and I know that I will see the blessing He has given me.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Well Baby, Vaccines, and a New Porch.
Jack had his 15 month well baby visit yesterday with Dr. Palacio. He weighed in at 22lbs 4oz and was 31 1/4 inches long. That puts him at the 15th percentile for weight and the 50th for height. He also has a 90th percentile head circumference. The Jones kids have a reputation for having big brains.
The only real concern this visit was that he has zero vocabulary. The doctor wants to wait until he is 18 months old to evaluate further. We have no doubt that he can hear and he understands what we are saying so hopefully he picks up some words soon.
Everyone had vaccines as well. In the past I made the foolish decision to delay or refuse vaccines and now we have to get caught up. This is especially hard for the girls who know what to expect. Everyone shed a few tears and some were more dramatic than others but nothing a trip next door to Sonic couldn't fix. Alexis is now officially caught up and Hannah only has the Hep A and B series to finish up before her 4 year old vaccines. Jack has a long way to go, but we are returning in 1 month for more vaccine fun.
While we were in the city we made a quick trip to Lowes. I have been asking for a front "porch" for quite some time and we finally bought the supplies and in one evening my amazing man finished up our new outdoor space. I bought some flowers today on clearance at Wal-Mart and it really spruced up our once boring front entryway. We will paint the wood the same color as the trim on the house but for now here are the before and after pictures...
We had a great week at school this week. Alexis breezed through all her work as usual and did a fabulous job memorizing a poem. We started a new grammar program and a new spelling program this week and she is doing great and our schedule still runs smoothly. Hannah learned to write the letters "H" and "A" and my hope is that by next week she will be writing her name. She is so excited!
With that, I leave you a picture of Jack whose smile does wonders for the heart.
The only real concern this visit was that he has zero vocabulary. The doctor wants to wait until he is 18 months old to evaluate further. We have no doubt that he can hear and he understands what we are saying so hopefully he picks up some words soon.
Everyone had vaccines as well. In the past I made the foolish decision to delay or refuse vaccines and now we have to get caught up. This is especially hard for the girls who know what to expect. Everyone shed a few tears and some were more dramatic than others but nothing a trip next door to Sonic couldn't fix. Alexis is now officially caught up and Hannah only has the Hep A and B series to finish up before her 4 year old vaccines. Jack has a long way to go, but we are returning in 1 month for more vaccine fun.
While we were in the city we made a quick trip to Lowes. I have been asking for a front "porch" for quite some time and we finally bought the supplies and in one evening my amazing man finished up our new outdoor space. I bought some flowers today on clearance at Wal-Mart and it really spruced up our once boring front entryway. We will paint the wood the same color as the trim on the house but for now here are the before and after pictures...
We had a great week at school this week. Alexis breezed through all her work as usual and did a fabulous job memorizing a poem. We started a new grammar program and a new spelling program this week and she is doing great and our schedule still runs smoothly. Hannah learned to write the letters "H" and "A" and my hope is that by next week she will be writing her name. She is so excited!
With that, I leave you a picture of Jack whose smile does wonders for the heart.
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