A Light Dawned and a Tear Fell...

Last night I took LG to a visit with her three younger siblings.  They, too, are being adopted by a great family.  We enjoy letting them spend time together and watching them interact.  Because of their ages (7, 5, and 4),. we often meet at the McDonald's play place.  It's loud and chaotic, but it's a great place for them to play and interact.

While watching LG and her sister at the top for the umpteenth time, I heard her once again holler down at me, "Mommy, look at me!"  As I looked up again to smile my approval,  it dawned on me...

I cannot remember the last time I heard her call me "Ms. Susan".  And, in that sweet moment, my eyes welled with tears as I realized that somewhere in the last 18 or so months the lines have blurred.  Although I didn't give birth to her, she holds a place in my heart just as strong as my other children.  And, I could not be prouder to have her call me "Mommy"!

Her Heart Shines...

My in-laws wanted to get LG several "little things" for Christmas.  They know she's a girlie girl.  They know she likes frill, pastels, and sparkle.  So, when they walked in the store and saw this shirt hanging high on the rack, they immediately said, "That's PERFECT for LG!"

The picture on the left shows my FIL modeling how the shirt was hanging when they found it.  (I know he's a whole OTHER blog post for another day. :-) ) I'll have to take a picture of LG IN the shirt and add it later.

Anyway, sure enough, LG LOVES this shirt.  She wore it several times after Christmas.  So when we went back to school this week, it didn't surprise me when she put it on over her uniform.

Yesterday, while I was in her classroom for something completely different, her teacher told me that the shirt was catching the sun's rays in the morning and making the room look like a disco!  She said the kids were mesmerized watching the reflections dance around the room.  Then, she said LG kind of realized it and she could see her moving the shirt to catch the sun's rays to make it happen.  So, she had her put the shirt away.

I hadn't really noticed it before she said something.  That is, until we got in the car yesterday and her shirt was back on and capturing the sun' rays and sending colorful lights all over my car.  I, too, was mesmerized--which is NOT good while you're driving!

One thing I've learned about LG in the 15 months she's been in our family is that she's a lot like her shirt.  She  LOVES to make things sparkle and shine. Her heart is the size of Kansas and she wears it for others to see. She's brought joy beyond measure to our family.  She's introduced frill where there was little or none.  She has brought a different form of laughter to us as she finds humor in completely different places than the boy do or did.  So I say, "Shine on, LG!  Shine on!"

Just don't do it while your teacher is teaching or your mother is driving!

Reflections on LAST Friday...

LG's 9th birthday was a week ago last Wednesday.  We decided to throw a "Pretty in Pink" party for her.  This included dress up, make up, nails, and a sleepover (which I left optional).  It was a BLAST!

I visited our local Goodwill store to create this dress up box:

The night before the party, we prepared our treat bags and our make up station.  I begged my friend Sandy to come help primp and do the "girlie thing".  DS 2's GF and two girls from my school also  came.  It was nothing less than PERFECT!

Here are the bags we found at IKEA:

And here is LG prepping them with stuff.  We found "Fancy Nancy" stuff at the Target dollar section and used that to make up our treat bags.  Each girl got a diary, body spray, lip gloss, and other goodies we found elsewhere.

When Friday night arrived, we KICKED the boys out.  LG was thrilled that it was "girls only" and the party  began:

 Sandy brought the Karaoke machine AND a "hair streaker" kit.  The girls were able to get a colored stripe in their hair a la Hannah Montana!  Dress up was absolutely HYSTERICAL!  The girls threw together some amazing and wild outfits.  And I'm telling ya' I intend to keep that box until I have grandchildren and they can play in it. It's obvious to me that there are hours of fun right there.  And the imagination and creativity was PRICELESS!

Here is my niece, K, with her "movie star" look on.  You can see the girls digging in behind her.

And look at the outfits these girls came up with!  Each girl modeled for me and I took their picture against the pink backdrop.   Later in the evening they decorated these frames (again from Ikea).  DSs 2 and 4 went to the photo shop to pick up prints and every girl left with a photo of themselves dressed up and in the frame.  It was PERFECT!  Here's the whole crowd including DS 2's girlfriend wearing our Cinderella dress!

LG said she had never had a "real birthday party" before where you get to invite friends.  I have to tell you, it was the greatest joy to watch her enjoying her friends and knowing that she was able to be the young lady God intended her to be on this special night.

Happy birthday (again) LG!  I love you!

OK Everybody, FALL IN!

This afternoon we got word that LG is one step closer to being ours forever. We were waiting for one more paper to be signed before we can begin our process with a great deal of certainty. Today it happened. I had her out and said, "I think Dad needs to take us out to celebrate tonight. And I think it needs to be a nice dinner where we can get dressed up." It didn't take her long to chime in and agree. (This picture is not from tonight, but I thought you'd be able to see the big brown eyes that were about to ask a Daddy for something.)

When we arrived home, she quickly announced to DH that she and I had something to ask him. He knew it was trouble from that moment! She asked me to start. So I said, "LG and I think we need to celebrate the fact that she's so close to being able to be adopted into our family." She continued, "And so we need to go out to a FANCY dinner. And you have to take us!"

He said, "Who's idea was this?" And she said, "Well....Mom thought of it and I just fell in it!"

HUH!?!? She "fell in it"???? I laughed so hard! That girl cracks me up.

Then he said, "Well, where do YOU think we should go that's fancy?" She said, "Golden Corral". Let me tell ya' the Golden Corral is NOT fancy...but where LG has spent most of her life, it IS a fancy restaurant. So we chuckled a bit and said we wanted to up the ante a bit (ok a LOT). So then she tells DH that she wants something "Da Ru Ma-ish". Let me explain. This is the name of one of our Japanese steakhouses where we spent Valentine's Day dinner. I just thought it was funny that she added the "ish" to her description.

Anyway, DH settled on The Melting Pot, which we LOVE! LG had no idea what to expect but loved each course and the whole experience!

Let me tell you...

DH suggested it and she "fell in it"...that's for certain!

Some things I'm learning with the onset of "Pink"...

LG has been with us now for 9 months. Interesting that she's been here the same amount of time that it would have taken for us to actually HAVE a baby (not that I want to do that!). Much like the days when DH and I were preparing for our firstborn, we have learned. Some lessons have been "system based" as we deal with the child welfare system. Some lessons have been "upbringing based" as we have noted the differences between her family practices and ours. And other lessons have been "pink vs. blue" based as we've ventured into the world of little girls when we've previously raised four young men.

Here are some of the "pink lessons" I've learned over the past few months:

LG is more "hair focused" than the boys ever were. The boys "might" look at it one time before they are out the door. LG looks at it in the morning, styles it how she THINKS she wants to wear it. And it's highly likely that it'll take on one or more transformations before we're out the door! It's almost a sure thing that it will never look the same in the afternoon as it did when she first went outside in the morning.

Girls giggle. A lot. Boys laugh, they belch, and they make various other noises with their bodies. Girls are simply giggly. I love their sweet little giggles.

My boys tended to go from one activity to another in the blink of an eye. They could plow through "things to do" faster than racehorses. Girls linger. At least mine does.

Boys get "caught" acting out and pretending. When they do, they can often be found pulling their heads into their shell a la the tortoise. Girls perform. They love an audience and thrive on the applause and kudos that is sure to follow their dance, song, or play.

Girls play in their Mother's make-up and products. I remember the boys doing this once in a great while and we'd laugh hard. LG is in my stuff almost regularly. It's not uncommon for me to see evidence that she's been exploring again after she's been in the bathroom.

They are aware when their bodies make little changes. LG is not afraid to ask about them either. We've already had some talks with LG that we didn't have to have with the boys.

Little girls LOVE their Daddies! Yesterday I came home and found LG sleeping in DH's lap. She's no small little thing, but there she was curled up with him on the couch. In some ways it appears lumbering and over-sized for him. But in so many ways, it's a perfect fit!

Girls know how to saunter through a store. LG takes it all in and enjoys the moments wandering the aisles. The boys go with a goal in mind...get in/get what you need/get out.

I am well aware that girls don't always fit every stereotype and some may be different than my LG, but it's been fun to learn the "pink lessons". I'm sure it's only the tip of the iceberg for what's in store.

DH and I figured out that by the time she is ready to leave our nest, we will have been raising kids for 35 years! 35 years! I'm thankful for each and every season that this child-rearing journey has brought upon us. From blue to pink and everything in between--it's a joy to parent five terrific kids and to learn the lessons they teach us every day!

The chair will be empty

DH walked her, with 8yo head hung low, out to the room where I was working . He warned me, "You're not going to be happy with what she is about to tell you." Then, he tapped LG on the shoulder and said, "Go show her what you did." She walked slowly to where I was and revealed to me her toes. Then she said, "I colored my toes with permanent marker."


Now, I have to tell you I may not have bellowed all three of her names if I had not JUST taken her three days prior for a pedicure. I probably wouldn't have said, "WHAT were you thinking!?!" with quite the same fervor either. I definitely wouldn't have been as miffed if we hadn't JUST had the conversation about not coloring your fingernails and toes with marker four days prior to the offense.


But, I said it, "First. Middle. Last. WHAT were you thinking!?!"


She stood there staring at me. Unable to answer. Remorseful. Tears began to well up in her eyes. Then I reminded her what I paid for the pedicure that she chose to color over. I told her I was disappointed. I told her that her pedicure days have ended for now and that we would have to get nail polish remover and remove all color from her toes.

Admittedly as we hunted down the nail polish remover and cotton balls, I grilled a little bit more. I asked, "While coloring TEN toes with marker...over the cute little decoration that the nail tech painted on there...it never occurred to you that Dad or I "might" be upset that you did this??" She answered quietly, "No." I could feel another rant coming on. "No!?!?!? You have GOT to be kidding me!" Followed by, "If I gave you $25 in cash, would you just color all over it with marker?" Another quiet "No" was her reply. I'm sure I asked at least 25 times, "WHY would you color your toes with markers?" And all 25 times she told me she didn't know.

I know it wasn't the end of the world. Heck she hasn't even really done much "wrong" since she moved in last October! Still, she had to know that when we draw a line (like no nail coloring with markers), we are serious. She also needed to know that we were disappointed and that her actions have a consequence.

After removing the marker AND the underlying nail polish, I told her she needed to go apologize to DH because he, after all, is the one who TOLD her last week not to do it. She did. They snuggled. It was tender. Then, she and I started the bedtime routine where we snuggle together and pray. The prayer we prayed was one of thanks and forgiveness. It was one that reminded her that even when we mess up...there is love.

I'll be honest. As I left her room I thought, "This IS something I know we'll tell in years to come when we are doing the "Remember when..." stories." And we'll ALL laugh together. Until then, I took a moment and laughed on my own.

Then I wondered just how lonely I'd be the next time I'm sitting in the pedicure chair without her by my side! And I realized there was more than one remorseful female in our house that evening.

Shine on Me Sunshine!

I think it's finally going to start warming up here in Southwest Florida! I have to say that we are used to sweatbeads rolling down our foreheads in the mid to late afternoons by now. This year, we're still in long sleeves and jackets! It's nuts.

We had a busy weekend at our house. I know, you're suprised, right? Those of you who read this blog regularly know that's pretty much the MO of our lives. Here's an update:

Friday night I went on a sunset boatride in honor of a colleague who died in the Fall. She really wanted people to have a party and celebrate her life, so that's what they did. It was a nice tribute to her. But, I have to say, it was COLD on the water! I kept telling myself that I weathered several scenic boat tours in Alaska in much colder weather. Still, I was thankful for the bottom floor of the boat (which was enclosed). There were about 50 of us there. I am so thankful for the "family-like" atmosphere in which I work! It is a very special group of people who truly care about one another.

Also Friday night was the funeral for our friend who died last week. I did not get to go, but they webcasted it, so I was able to watch it on Saturday. What an amazing turnout for her celebration of life! There were more than 1000 people there. I know it may sound strange, but I often wonder if these people with large funeral attendance really knew the impact their life had on the world. My guess is that very few of them would guess that so many people would turn out at their funeral and in many cases, they'd never be able to predict the kind words or special rememberances that are given as people talk about a life well-lived.

Saturday, DS 2 left for Nicaragua. He is there this week with a team of college students on a mission project. They are working in a dump, doing a VBS, and playing with kids in an orphanage there. Please be praying for their mission and trip in general. It is so exciting to watch your children catch that fire and desire to get out and help others!

Saturday afternoon DH and I threw a picnic for LG's family--including her siblings, an aunt, their grandmother, and other foster parents. It was LG's older brother's birthday, so it was quite special. He is such a great young man. He's the one that started my affinity for this family. I taught him in 2nd grade and mentored him throughout his remaining elementary school years.

The pictures above show some of the kids enjoying each other's company. It was a special time for LG. I asked her to name her favorite part when we were done and she said, "EVERYTHING!"

DS 1 is coming home this week for Spring Break. I am excited to have him around for a few days. We finally went and bought a futon so he would have a place to sleep at the house! DH and DS 3 helped put it together yesterday. I had to laugh because LG was picking music from DS 3's iPod to entertain them while putting it all together. I heard many songs flowing out of that room, but my favorite still has to be the themesong from Cheers...when they started singing at the top of their lungs:

Sometimes you wanna go....

Where everybody knows your na-ame!

And they're always glad you ca-ame!...

Cracked me UP!

In the midst of futon assembly, DS 4 came running from the backyard demanding everyone stop and come see what was there. Remember when I told you last week that I don't spend enough time there? Well, just LOOK at what he wanted us to see...

This giant little guy is about 3 and a half feet long. He was sunning right at the edge of our backyard and the pond! Of course, I am praying that this is all the further he comes...but I WILL be watching before I just up and go enjoy the beauty that is back there!

So that's an update from our neck of the woods! I hope you all have a fabulous week!

Weekend Window Plus

I've just taken a whirlwind trip to Panama City and back (a 7 hour drive one way), so my brain is a little fried. I thought I'd do a little "bullet list" update on our weekend and my clan--so here ya go:

* The trip to Panama City was productive. My friend (and writing partner) Sandy and I went to present and network at a workshop for teachers.

* DH was home with the kids. I'm so thankful for this man and his willingness to be such an important part of our family and the day-to-day running of our home.

* DS 2 and I talked when I was driving north. I drove right through the town where they live. It was HARD for me to know that he was right near the interstate when I was driving by and I had to keep going! He spent the weekend at a retreat in preparation for his upcoming mission trip to Nicaragua. I am so excited for him to go. I know it will be a blessing for him.

* DS 1 and I actually connected on my way home. Sandy's daughter and SIL live in the same town...so we stopped and took the three of them to dinner. SO nice to visit with them even if it was just briefly. DS 1 is doing well...he LOVES attending all the sporting events at the University. He had been at a fencing tournament earlier in the day and even told me he went to watch "Underwater Hockey"...not sure how you watch that...but OK.

* DS 3 continues to be quite busy at school and at church. He is now transitioning to run sound and seems to enjoy it. Track season has begun and he is planning to pole vault again. I have to tell you, he amazes me at his determination with this. I am praying he has success getting over the bar this year. He has been working out a lot at the gym and really is focused on his goal. I love that about him. He knows how to keep his eyes on the goal and focus.

* DS 4 spent the last three days of last week in bed. He had a horrible cold. He seems better now. In a week's time he's asked to be homeschooled, switch classes, and/or switch schools. This made me think perhaps something was happening at school. We've dug and talked and asked and questioned. Last week he told his Dad...and today out of the blue told me...I just don't like getting up as early as we have to. I will like it better when I can get up a little later. I want to say "Welcome to life son!" The middle school years have not been my favorite with ANY of my boys...so as we face them...I covet your prayers. :-)

* LG has had a great week. She continues to adjust well and brings us all such joy with her cute little personality. I had to laugh as she played Hide-n-Seek with DS 4 yesterday. It was so sweet to listen to them as if they had been together for ever! She actually had a crying spell one night last week. I know it doesn't sound like that's a "good thing"...but I have not seen her cry once since she moved in. So...this tells me that she feels comfortable enough with us to share what's going on in her heart. It also reveals that she's a normal little girl who has had to endure some very grown-up circumstances. No one wants to be removed from their family. No one. We expect that there will be an ebb and flow of emotion anyway. I'm just glad to see it surface. I think it means that we can continue to help her take the road to stability and security.

Well...friends, that's it from my neck of the woods today. Perhaps I'll get back to more substantial "thought-blogging" one of these days. Who knows? It's a strange season I'm in. Still, I'm thankful for this outlet...even when it seems a bit superficial.

Some System Thoughts

Most of you know that our LG is in foster care. She came to our home in October and we have had our share of learning and experiences since that time. I believe that the system that tries so hard to protect children and provide safe, viable homes for them also occasionally fails them. I also believe that it's changed so much over the years--mostly for the better. Some things are simply archaic though. We are having to relearn much of it as we update our license.

DH and I were licensed earlier in our marriage in another town. We had several children come through our home during that time. We took a ten-week course to be able to take in children. The classes teach you specifically about the process and how it works. Of course, the best teacher is still the day-to-day experiences that you get dealing with the real situations. But it's an important foundation for people who will be interacting with a very complex system.

Here we are 15 years later having to take the class again. There is no renewal class. No way to update your license with a shortened, or refresher, course. Nope. We have to take the whole kit and kaboodle again! So, every Tuesday night, DH and I head off to our ten week (3 hour per night) course to be recertified. When you figure in driving time, we are gone for almost five hours each week. So far, the course has been primarily lecture...and not very stimulating lecture at that. I am TRYING to be a good student, but most weeks it's just not easy. I agree that it's nice to have time for just DH and I to visit....but this is not the circumstances that I would choose.

Every week, we have three to four hours of visits with people working LG's case. Every other week we see people from her family--which can be another 3 - 4 hours of visits. Throw in the extracurricular classes and opportunities we are trying to provide for her and there's another 2 - 3 hours of activity just for her. Add our five hours on Tuesday nights. It's easy to see that much of our time is getting filled by the "system".

Still, it's all for LG and she's worth it whether it's her time here is temporal or for a lifetime.

Lessons learned while pedaling...

Though it's quite a distant shot, DS 3 and LG are pedaling down our street in this picture. I am pedaling behind them...and shooting the photo (which is a pretty good feat if I do say so myself). Unseen in this photo is DS 4 who was also along for the ride.

We have been working with LG to learn bike riding. DH has run along side her. DS 3 has held her up and taught her balance once she gets started. DS 4 shouts encouragement to her as she makes her attempts to do it all by herself.

Yesterday, we took off to ride around the neighborhood. LG is pretty good once she gets going, but she requires someone to hold the bike steady and give her the starting push to begin.

I started her off yesterday and the three of us followed along. She rode pretty far then hit a stopping point. She didn't fall, but getting started was a chore. We wanted her to learn to do it herself. So we coached from the side while she worked on it. After a few long minutes, she did it! All by herself!

As you would expect from an unsteady rider, there were other stops and starts. And she had a couple of moments of sheer frustration. At one point she announced that she would be "walking her bike back to the house!" I told her "No, you are going to do it. Just take your time and look forward!" She held her hands up and showed me that they were red. I determined that she must have an absolute death grip on the handles! Still, the boys and I reminded her to stop looking at the pedals, loosen the grip and look forward. And gently we nudged her back up on the bike.

Every time I spoke the words, they resonated with me. "Loosen the grip and look forward." I thought, "That's exactly right!" When we are in the midst of a trial. When we can't focus. When we feel whiny and cranky and tired and would rather take an alternate route...perhaps we just need to loosen the grip and look forward.

Soon, LG was able to finish the ride. She rode home a little tired. She was a little sweaty. But she was triumphant. She rode farther than she ever had. She rode alone longer than she ever had. SHE. DID. IT!

The bike ride was refreshing. I enjoyed spending time with the kids. I can't wait until she's even more confident and we can try out some of the bike trails that are around here. But the most important thing that happened for me wasn't the memory making...it was the life lesson that was waiting to gently nudge me home!

As the Year Winds Down...

I know, I know...I've been off in blogging...AGAIN! Life has been so busy and I've been neglectful. I have so much to say, but haven't taken the time to say it. Soooo...here's a recap of the last 17 days in photos and words:

It was no small miracle that the trees and decorations got put up. It's such a process at our house and this year, it was in the midst of a very busy schedule.

Things were up just in time for DS 1 to come home and enjoy a moment under the tree with DS 3 and LG.
We had a day in Tampa to take pics with family. This is a picture that DS 3 took of my DH and Me.

And here's one of our family.

My Mom gave us tickets to spend one day at Busch Gardens before the holiday. I took DSs 2, 3, and 4 and LG and some of their friends for a day up there. It was a nice day and we had a blast! DS 4 even rode his first roller coaster.

DS 3, LG and I went out one night to look at holiday lights. We found this display at a local church where the lights are synchronized to music. They had hot chocolate and cookies after you walked through their huge display.

We had a lovely Christmas Eve Service and a quiet celebration at my in-laws. Grandma was quite creative in her gift giving this year! The boys and LG loved opening each of their presents that were filled with so much LOVE!

Once again the boys indulged me and let me get them all Christmas PJ's. It is always a fun thing for me to shop for them. This year it was a little difficult because I had to also find something that would work for LG. Still...she had a blast in the mix of all these guys!

We spent Christmas Day at my Dad's house. As always it's filled with laughter, great food, and family fun!

At the beginning of this week, we loaded up DS2 and what remained of DS 1's stuff and moved them to Gainesville. Here is DH and his co-pilot LG ready to drive the truck!

DSs 1 and 2 got a very nice apartment and will be living together this semester. They seem excited to take this venture. I am reminded of when they were little...they told me they'd never be able to be apart because they were used to sharing a room. So...here they are moved in and once again, sharing living space! I'm glad they're such good friends.
After we dropped them off, DH, DS 3, LG and I went to Orlando for a couple of days. We enjoyed the Ice! Exhibit at the Gaylord Hotel. It's such an amazing thing to see and LG was simply fun to take through it!

Shoot, it was fun just having her at the hotel. She'd never been on an escalator and was THRILLED with that experience! Then, we did the glass elevator which amazed her.

While in Orlando, we met DH's brother and his family for dinner (and to pick up DS 4 who stayed with Grandma and Grandpa a couple of days). It was a lovely visit.

Yesterday, we took the family to Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios. It was JAM PACKED and we ended up leaving early. There's no sense trying to get it all in when you're a Floridian and you can get up there in a non-peak season. Sooo...we dropped off my niece, had a nice dinner and headed home.

Knowing she'd never been on an escalator, you can imagine that the moving sidewalks at Universal were also a novelty for her!

That pretty much brings us here...to New Year's Eve. I had good intentions of getting Christmas completely down today, but I didn't. I have enjoyed a nap. I enjoyed the quiet. I enjoyed doing pretty much nothing.

There's no question that this has been a busy few weeks. Heck...it's been a busy life! My goal for 2010 is to learn to sit still and just enjoy some quiet moments.

I hope your December has been just as memorable and that your New Year is filled with much love and joy!!

Some Weekend Highlights and a Thought...

What a BUSY weekend!! It was filled with church stuff, family, and holiday festivities for us.

Friday, DS 1 came home for his National Guard Drill weekend. While sitting here talking to us, at about 8:00pm, he realized that he left part of his uniform at his apartment (almost 3 hours away). So, knowing that he HAD to have it, and there is no "loaner" program, he drove BACK to his apartment and BACK to our house that night. Six hours!

I had a training all day on Saturday at our school. It was good, but it was hard to get up and get there. It was a steady rain outside and honestly, I'd have rather just stayed in bed with a good book!

Saturday evening, LG and I met a team from our church to pass out goodie bags and bubble necklaces to kids at the holiday parade. I have to tell you that I had a total meltdown because five of the youth dropped off the team at the last minute. That frustrates me! My friend, Sandy, stepped in to help at the last minute. I love having sweet friends who will help like that. Here's a picture of Sandy with LG ready to go.

Anyway, we had a BLAST at the parade and kids (and their parents) were blown away that they were getting FREE stuff for no reason! It's another great outreach opportunity and way to have a positive impact on the community.

LG and I stayed at the parade with our friend Kate and her two girls. It turned a bit colder that evening...but it was PERFECT for a holiday parade. I have to say that NOW I'm feeling more like it's December and Christmas is right around the corner.

Below is a picture of LG and me at the parade I love it!

On Sunday, we had another outreach at church. Our church is providing Christmas for 16 needy kids from my school. We had a great time sorting and wrapping and preparing the gifts for these children right during the service!

While a team sorted and wrapped these gifts for local outreach...our youth pastor shared about his recent mission trip to Ethiopia.

I love it when we do this sort of thing. It's a picture of what I think the church "should" be--active and involved in the community and the world.

Sunday afternoon, I took LG to visit her younger siblings at a local park. We had a great time talking to the family they are with and playing together. It was good to see the kids. I am always amazed that LG doesn't push back when we go to leave those visits. She loves going and loves visiting, but she also loves coming home.

Sunday evening, DSs 2 and 3 helped us get out the boxes of Christmas decorations from the attic. My guys are totally used to me at this time of year and just indulge me as we I decorate. Seriously, they help a bit. I love it that they just "do their thing" to help make it happen--and don't mind my mini-"moments" that sometimes occur during the process. I've got one tree up and a few more to go. The boxes are sorted into their rooms for decoration. I am feeling pretty calm amidst that chaos.

To sum up our weekend: It was busy, but fulfilling. VERY fulfilling!

Wordless Wednesday: Co-pilots

Holiday Reflections...

What a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday we have had! Of course, I was a bit whiny that my colleagues in other counties had the entire week off...but we made the most of having three days and the weekend.

Thursday morning, I took LG over to her Grandma's to visit with her brothers and cousins that she hasn't seen since she moved here. She and I had a visit with her Grandma and we've visited her younger siblings. But she had not seen her older brothers and cousins.

I have to be honest, I wondered what this would be like. I had never been to Grandma's home. This was the place she and the other kids were removed from a little over a month ago. And, honestly, if it were me in my 8yo body, I probably would not have wanted to leave my family and return to a foster family.

But there was none of that. She had a great time visiting. We took pictures so she can have them for her own scrapbook/room. It was nice talking with the boys and her Aunt/Uncle who have them. And Grandma was happy to share some of the things she wanted LG to have as she prepares to move to a smaller home.

LG and I came home in time to visit with our family and begin our own celebration. It was a great day shared with the blessing of family. DH did a great job preparing the turkey as usual. We served up buffet style and brought tables in to the living room so we could share the meal together.

This year we bought "real" glasses for the mashed potato bar. The kids seemed to enjoy doctoring up their potatoes and preparing them for eating.

Here's part of the group settling in to the meal:

And here's the other part of the group:


After dinner it was great fun playing corn hole and enjoying the beautiful weather! One of the blessings this year was having DS 1 home. Last year he had just begun Basic Training. This year he was able to be here for a good portion of the weekend with us. I know DS 4 enjoyed it--he really misses the guys when they are not home.
LG and DS 2 enjoyed hanging out on the back porch and visiting after the meal.
DS 3 played corn hole in his "special outfit". Do you suppose it helped him? I think they won...so who knows for sure??

We paused to take some family group shots. I think this one is going to be our Christmas card this year. It CRACKED me UP and says quite a lot about this zany family of mine!



I hope your holiday was also filled with special memories and moments!