Adoption Update

Was told that the paperwork issue would be done and approved in two weeks. That was up LAST monday. Emailed social worker Monday to find out one of the supervisors that has to sign it is in the hospital. Praying for a speedy recovery and a fast signature!!!!

Background Change

Due to several complaints that the last background made the text too difficult to read I have changed it! Was sad to find that my prior pick was the only Christian background available. I am so lucky to have so many family and friends that put their love of Christ first. It scares me how few people can say that about the those who they share their lives with. I hope to see more people in mainstream society remembering the real reason for this season.
If anyone knows of another website that allows you to use their backgrounds free, please let me know. I would like to put the Christ back into my CHRISTmas background.

Adoption Update

Well, our worker came out last week for a home visit. Found out that there was an error on some of the paperwork that she turned in. So, now she has to fix all that and get it approved AGAIN by both of her supervisors. We LOVE our social worker and feel very lucky to have her, but AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone makes mistakes, everyone makes mistakes.... We had hoped to finalize by Halloween and now it doesn't even look like we will finalize by the end of the year. It is very sad. L needs this closure. She has asked multiple times when she will be adopted. She has yet to tell Ben or I that she loves us, but know that she is 'attached'. I honestly think that she is holding back until the adoption is complete. My heart just breaks for her.

Thanksgiving 2009

Had Braden's 6th birthday this month. My kids are growing so fast! L's birthday will be next - a few days before Christmas. D's will be quickly following her a few days after Jesus' birthday. Makes for a crazy couple months, but wouldn't change my life for anything!
Spent a wonderful Thanksgiving in Indy this year. Thursday was with my side at my parent's home and then after the craziness of Black Friday got together with my Mom's side of the family for even more games, food and fun. We had our traditional pizza dinner and LOTS of cookies, pies, and card games. The younger children have so much fun whenever we get together with all of the cousins. Of the little ones, my 7 year old was the oldest, then there were two 6 year olds, three 5 year olds, one 3 year old, two 2 year olds, one 1 year old and two under 1. Another 2 year old and two more under 1 were not able to join us this year. It always amazes me that anytime they get together we don't have any fighting among them (other than some battles between my own)! I did see some agression among the adults over a game of spoons, though. lol.
I wish we lived closer so that I could be with my family more often, but I always enjoy the time that we do get.

Happy Halloween!

Still waiting on the adoption to be finalized. Was hoping that would be completed by now. Will post as soon as we find out something...


Here are our Halloween pictures! We have had a busy week. Trick or Trunk at church Wednesday, and a fall festival today. We won the prize for the "Best Family Theme" today. Got a gift card to the movies. More trick or treating tonight. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are continueing our tradition and coming over to join us. Their new little one will be Yoda to help complete our theme. Ben has to work tonight so will miss out! I am sure he will be plenty busy with all of the teens and preteens that will be on the loose tonight.

My family finally seems on the mend. Ben and I had strep and then just as Ben was getting better, he and Braden came down with the stomach flu that one of the daycare kids brought us. Thought we were in the clear and then Lauren and one of the babies I watch caught it. The baby passed it on to her parents who are both down today. The Mom actually had to go to the hospital to get rehydrated since she is pregnant. This bug is crazy! I have cleaned the surfaces off my house yet it just kept spreading. We went through two cans of Lysol, 2 containers of Clorox wipes, plus my regular cleaners! I have never had anything like it.

I currently have one child that goes to Kindergarten with my two, an 18 month old, 11 month old, Drew (half day), and twins that are only here for 15 minutes to wait for the bus with Drew. After Christmas break the 11 month old will be a big sister so will also have the newborn. I really hope we don't get that bug back again!!!!!!!!! I love that I only watch teacher's children but teachers are exposed to all these germs over and over! I think I should have a decontamination room added to my house that they have to go through everyday before they come in...

Lauren's Happenings

Lauren has been BEGGING to be put in gymnastics since she came to us. Everytime she saw something to do with gymnastics it is all we would hear about for days. We finally agreed and put her in gymnastics. After ONE lesson she has decided she is done. WHAT??????? I have made her finish this month since it is paid for. Thought she might change her mind, but hasn't. Next month she will start dance and see how that goes. Dance is less expensive so can't say I am sorry (-:
Here is a picture of her on her first day. She cracks me up.