Thanksgiving 2013

Today was a bitter sweet day for me. Todd had to work, but was home in time for dinner. I got up before the kids and started the cooking and baking, during which I had a total break down. I missed my dad so much this morning it literally made my body ache. I was able to have a few minutes to myself before bringing the kiddies downstairs.

Doughnuts for breakfast (thanks to Papa John!):

 

Of course, they have an uncanny way of putting a smile on my face! I made it through nap time and then mom and John came over. It was fun to hang out with them and nice to have some help entertaining the kiddies, who were wild with excitement! 

Hannah helping me make homemade stuffing:

Abigail helping me make the sweet potatoes:

Hannah made dinner rolls in the shape of pumpkins:

Todd made it home for dinner (which was wonderful!!!). I was so glad to have him home! It's not the same when you're missing your best friend! 

Our little turkey, Hannah, who loves to eat the leg:

I laid art paper out on the table this year. Mom helped the girls draw turkey handprint place settings and we all wrote what we were thankful for! 

After dinner our Elves arrived with new pajamas for the girls. Of course, they had to put then on right away and watch a Christmas movie! 

It was a memorable Thanksgiving for sure! Probably one of my favorites so far... other than Todd working! 

The Calling

That moment at 2:55 on June 22nd when I woke up for the 3rd time in a couple months to babies crying only to realize all mine are sleeping. I begin praying  for the crying babies. "God, send the crying babies to me. I want to care for them."

God speaks loudly and clearly:

"How can I if you are not doing what I called you to do?" (Foster Care)

I reply with my concern for Hannah's emotional state and voice my fear over DCF being in and out if our home. (We have nothing to hide, but they scare the mess out of me sometimes)

He replied gently, "Do not worry about them. I will take care of them."

"Yes sir. I will call Monday to set it up."

And so it begins again.

Chicken Trouble

Little, Miss Henny Penny started out laying eggs in the nesting box like a good girl. Then she got lazy. 

I bought her from a feed store in Callahan after she had already started laying. She was raised in a crate and never roosted. Try as I might to teach her, the crazy bird just won't roost. 

She sleeps on the floor right outside the nesting boxes. One day she decided, "why do I need to back up 12 inches into the box? I'll just lay my egg right here"! Well, that's a problem for two reasons. One, it can be unsanitary because chickens poop when they sleep. We don't want poop on the eggs! That's never happened, but why risk it?! And, two, it's not convenient for me to reach the egg where she's laying it. 

I saw on a blog that you can use anything as a nesting box, so I thought I'd try a basket. I made it nice and fluffy with pine chips and sprinkled some Rosemary in it to make it smell nice! 

Turns out, she liked sleeping in it, but not laying in it. She actually got out of the basket and went in the nesting box! Success!! Did I just train a chicken? I guess we'll have to wait and see....

Potty Training

I hate, loathe and despise potty training. I think Katie Grace will go to college in diapers. Seriously people. She just might go down in history as the first kid to never potty train! 

Faith and Fear

One would think after all I've been through, I would have faith at least the size of a mustard seed. And yet, as I wash baby boy's bedding today in prep for his arrival (any day) I find myself in tears. 

I question the promises God has spoken to me. I question His words.
What if I set up this nursery in faith, believing Him and then the baby doesn't come to me? There are SO many variables. So many obstacles. So many what ifs.
My emotions are still fragile and healing from past disappointments.
And yet, I KNOW, the word He has spoken to me. I know He has given me this baby even before it is in my hands.
And yet, here I am, wavering, whining, complaining, scared.out.of.my.mind.
What if I believe Him and then I'm wrong? What if I 'think' I've heard Him, but I'm wrong? Then I'm left picking up pieces. Undoing a nursery. Left to heal and mend... AGAIN.
I sit here wondering if I can take that chance with my heart and emotions. Can I finish washing this bedding? I started out with faith and somehow now I feel like I should just leave it in the washer and see how this plays out...

God, I believe. Help my unbelief.

 

A Fresh Start To A New Season

What can I say? I've been a little busy.  Life with 3 newly adopted children tends to be that way! Something had to take a back seat and it was my blog.
Now life is pretty normal. We've settled into a routine of homeschooling, church, family, LIFE. It's busy, crazy at times, and perfectly lovely! I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Now I'm back on track and ready to document life as we know it.

Here we go.....

Hannah, 6 years old

Katie Grace, 2 1/2 years old

Abigail, 1 1/2 years old

New Year 2012

So, I'm a "little" behind on my posts! Last month was a crazy around here.... good, but crazy!
So, here come my catch up posts!

New Years was spent with family. We went to St. Augustine, the beach and home to stay up and watch the ball drop. It was a wonderful, sunny day celebrating new beginnings!

JohnDaniel, Caleb and Hannah

Aunt Barbie, John Daniel, Aunt Patti and Caleb
Lunch in St. Augustine

Hannah and Aunt Barbie watching the cannon demonstration at The Fort.

Mommy and Abigail

Katie Grace and Jonathan

Daddy's Girl

Abigail