Grown at Home - Homeschool Blogger

My Top 10s

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 23:04:00 -0500

For the lack of anything better to write today and to help you get to know me better I decided to list some of my Top 10s.

Top 10 Movies (no particular order)

1. Breakfast Club
2. The Shawshank Redemption (how often do you really look at a man's shoes?)
3. Gone With The Wind
4. Chicago
5. Cheaper by the Dozen (yes the Steve Martin one - but only the first one)
6. Yours, Mine and Ours (the old one with Lucille Ball & Henry Fonda - I just LOVE this movie)
7. Arsenic and Old Lace
8. The Holy Grail
9. Passion of the Christ
10. The Way We Were

Top 10 Books (no particular order)

1. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
2. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
3. The Harry Potter Series (listed as one) by JK Rowling
4. Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
5. Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke
6. Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck
7. Lifestyels of Christian Women by Dee Brestin (I knew I would homeschool after reading this at 19)
8. This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
9. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause by Dr. John Lee
10. Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss

Top 10 Drinks

1. Diet Coke
2. Iced Tea
3. Earl Grey with a little cream and sugar
4. Chai Tea w/ cream and sugar
5. Coffee with any flavor creamer
6. Lemonaid
7. Water with a little lemon or lime in it
8. Margarita - but only once a year when I'm in AZ
9. Coke Slurpee from 7-11
10. Milk - yes I admit it, I love milk

Top 10 Foods

1. Chocolate
2. Tacos
3. Chocolate
4. Steak
5. Chocolate
6. Crisp Green Salad
7. Did I mention Chocolate?
8. Chips & Salsa
9. Hot Wings
10. Anything dipped in chocolate

Top 10 Places I've Lived (or at least 10 I can name)

1. Tucson, AZ (hometown)
2. Austin, TX
3. San Diego, CA
4. Miami, OK
5. Oswego, KS
6. Joplin, MO
7. Round Rock, TX
8. Irving, TX
9. Boonsville, AR (well I only lived there for a couple of weeks so I don't know if that counts)
10. Antioch, CA

Top 10 Favorite People in the World

1. My hubby
2. My kids (all 5 listed as one)
3. My brother (and his family listed as one)
4. My Friends - I feel blessed that I have more than 10 :P
5. My mother in law (gasp! Its true ladies) & My step-mother - listed together cause I ran out of #s
6. My Dad who recently passed and I miss talking to everyday
7. My Grandmothers & Mom who have passed
8. My Chiropractor - she makes me feel better everytime I see her!
9. My Uncles - I have 4 of them
10. My Grandfathers - 1 passed I called Papa and 1 living who is Grandpa

Top 10 Activities

1. Playing board games - especially Scrabble with my husband
2. Photography
3. Writing - poetry, e-mails, grocery lists :P
4. Reading - I am usually reading 2 or 3 books at a time
5. Dancing - done most often in my kitchen while doing dishes
6. Having a food fight with my kids.
7. Checking e-mail, blogs and surfing the net though I try to limit this
8. Talking to my girlfriends who live far away. I talk to one from high school daily.
9. Rocking my baby to sleep (when she lets me)
10. Anything competitive - I am ashamed to admit it but its true.

Top 10 Random Things

1. I rarely wear make-up
2. I read the Parade Magazine first when we get the Sunday paper
3. I often quote lines from movies that usually only my husband gets
4. I am 7 years older than my only sibling (brother)
5. I never thought I would have more than 3 kids (now I have 5 and want more)
6. I wanted to be an actress once upon a time
7. I will buy cashews and almonds & mix them together so I don't have to pick around the peanuts in mixed nuts.
8. I hate brussel sprouts and lima beans.
9. I met my husband in February and married him in September that same year.
10. I love to wear my converse tennis shoes.

My Tabitha

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 02:25:00 -0500

Well it's 2:25 a.m. and clearly I am not in bed. So I thought I would post some pictures of the cutest, in my humble opinion, 21 month old you will ever see.

This is my sweet Tabitha. I took these last month for Father's Day.

In this last one she is actually saying "awesome". How cute is that?

My First Award!

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:41:00 -0500

Thanks to Denise for giving me the Rockin' Girl Blogger Award! YEAH! I'm so excited, this is my first blog award. Whooo Hooo!!!!

A Time of Change Again

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:22:00 -0500

As I mentioned in a previous post our nieces (husband's brother's girls) have been living with us since January 2nd. Their father moved here in June and stayed with us a couple of weeks. He now has his own apartment and the girls will officially be moving back with their dad tomorrow.

We are going to miss them but I am so glad that their dad is doing great and ready to parent them full-time! What an answer to prayer!!!! Thankfully they live less than 2 miles from our house. :)

I am going to continue to help with homeschooling, though they won't be here everyday. I am at peace with the arrangments we've made and I think it will be a blessing to have their dad completely involved with their education. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for them. Please say a prayer for them.

I won't be posting much until the first of the month. We are leaving for Tucson, AZ (my hometown!!!) on the 19th and we won't be back until the 29th. This will be the first time we have been home since adopting Caleb and Tabitha. My brother and his wife are the only family in Tucson that has met them. I am so looking forward to the BBQ they have planned for next Sunday! Caleb is particularly excited because he has never been out of Texas. I can't wait to show him what mountains look like and the desert too!

I will also be photographing a wedding while I am there. My sister-in-law's mother is getting married the 28th. I volunteered my services. If you want to see some of my photography go to www.tiffanydavisphotography.com and http://tiffsdailyphoto.wordpress.com. Both sites are a work in progress. My oldest daughter is actually building my photography website.

Well I am off to read a couple blogs and then to bed.

Hope you are having a blessed weekend!

You Are Not My Friend...a poem

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:55:00 -0500

You Are Not My Friend

You are not my friend
You do not talk me through a bad day
You do not ease my stress

You are not my friend
You do not celebrate with me
You do not bring me joy

You are not my friend
You don’t heal my hurts
You cause me pain

You are not my friend
You are not my confidant
You cannot hear my stories or keep my secrets

You are not my friend
You do not hear my cries
You do not care if I cry

You are not my friend
Your company cannot bring me happiness
You cannot be happy for me

You are not my friend
You are not my enemy either
You are just food

Some of you will read this and have no idea what I am talking about but many of you will. This is my battle cry! I must do something about my weight before I can't. I am in prayer of what course to take; I've lost and gained so many time. This time has to be permanent, it has to start internally, spiritually and that will translate physically.

The New HP Movie

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:36:00 -0500

If you are not a Harry Potter fan than you can probably skip this post. I know that HP books and movies are controversial in the Christian and Homeschool communities but please don't make this a debate.

We have a strict rule in our house about the HP movies; you must read the book before you can see the movie. So I took 3 out of 7 kiddos to see the midnight showing of The Order of The Phoenix last night. This is the first time I have ever done this, probably the last. We arrived to pick up our pre-purchased tickets at 10:45 p.m. and we were close to the end of the line to get into the theater! Who knew. It was fun to see several people dressed in Hogwarts costumes and such - some people are so creative.

The movie was good but once again they fail to capture the book. I suppose it would have been a 6 hour movie if they had. The kids liked it and I believe it was better than Goblet of Fire.

We are waiting for the arrival of book 7 this month with baited breath.

Where in the blog world have you been?

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:48:00 -0500

Wow - I have been gone a long time! So you might ask yourself, "where have you been?". Let me catch you up...

Well in October of 2006 our little Tabitha turned a year old. We had a cute lady bug theme party and she had a blast digging into her birthday cake. Caleb also had a birthday - he turned 10. I made him a race car cake and we went to CiCis Pizza! I also took the kids to see my dad; it was the first time he met Caleb so that was very special. I didn't know then it would be my last visit with him...

In November 2006 Caleb's adoption was finalized. What an incredible day that was! We were part of National Adoption Day here and the court house was full for families awaiting adoption finalization. They had fun activities and food for everyone - there were even news stations there. But the best part of the day was our court time - when Caleb became forever a part of our home. Our son TJ turned 14 in November too!

December came in before I knew it! My in-laws shared Christmas with us and we all had a blast. This year Tabitha really enjoyed opening her gifts...so she could play with the paper. :P

January brought two more children to our home. My husband's brother's 2 daughters came to live with us. Having Mariah and Erika brought us to 7 children in the house and 6 homeschooling! They had a few bumps adjusting to a new house, to having rules and homeschooling but the Lord is good.

February and March went by in a blur and I turned 35 as did my hubby. I did get a brand new Nikon d80 camera - check out my websites to see what I'm doing with that: www.tiffanydavisphotography.com and http://tiffsdailyphoto.wordpress.com

April - Easter baskets, ham dinner, church services. Then on the 19th I got a call from my step-mother that my father had taken a turn for the worse and was not expected to live through the night. I left my house and made the drive to Corpus Christi. He held on until Saturday afternoon. He went to be with the Lord with all of us around him in his own home like he wanted; I am so thankful for that. My dad, Harold, was only 56 years old.

Here is a poem I wrote shortly after his death:

When I Think of Dad…

When I think of Dad…
I will remember boots – work and cowboy.
I will remember blue jeans and bolo ties.

When I think of Dad…
I will remember his bible and music.
I will remember him cooking.

When I think of Dad…
I will remember his garden and green grass.
I will remember sipping coffee on his porch.

When I think of Dad…
I will remember the pride he took in his work as a journey man.
I will remember the greater pride he took in his family.

When I think of Dad…
I will remember his laughter, his unbelievably contagious laughter.
I will remember his humor and someday I will laugh when I think of it.

When I think of Dad…
I will remember deep brown eyes.
I will remember an even deeper voice.

When I think of Dad…
I will remember his illness and his very last breath.
I will remember more the way he lived his life.

When I think of Dad…
I will sometimes cry and often smile.
I will always remember.

May - It was rough month but with the love and support of my family and friends I made it through it. I am so much closer to my step-mother now it amazes me. I did get out to our local Homeschool Book Fair in Arlington - that was wonderful.

June - My husband and I signed up for a gym membership and we have been enjoying that time together. Now if I could just stick to a healthy diet! Towards the end of the month Mariah and Erika's dad (hubby's brother) moved to Texas. He got an apartment and is just about ready to have his girls full time again. Did I mention all the rain we have had here?????

July - My daughter Alyssa turned 16 on the 2nd and my MIL and I took her away for the weekend. It was a great time. The 4th was fun and the baby cracked us all up watching the fireworks - she said "wow" after each one! We signed up to be greeters at church and invited our pastor's family to dinner (next Sunday).

We are preparing to go home to Tucson to see our family and friends there. Many of them have not met our newest additions (Caleb and Tabitha) so a big BBQ is planned for our arrival. We haven't been home for 3 years so we are really looking forward to seeing everyone despite the 114 degree temps and the 15 hour drive each way.

So now you're all caught up...

A Goofy Family Night...

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:50:00 -0500

I have to say I made a delicious dinner tonight - Enchilada Soup with Mexican Salad, yummy! It was a 2 thumbs up all the way around the table.

We were finishing up our meal and I was in a really silly mood. So as I was chewing my ice I laughed and spit some ice out on TJ. The other kids started laughing so I got Jorie too! Well she respond with an EEEWWWWWW and threw her lemon-aid on ME! Well everyone started scattering when I took my ice and down Jorie's back it went while I threw a couple pieces at Caleb.

Alyssa and TJ ran out front and Dad took the baby and went to our room. :P Then I had to recruit Jorie to help me lock out Alyssa (who took her soup with her) and TJ. I sat at the front door and waited for my opportunity... Then I snuck out to the hose and I soaked them!

Well poor little Caleb couldn't help himself. Even though he was trying to finish his second helping he came out to see what all the laughing and screaming was and BLAM! I got him too; only he had a mouth full of enchilada soup which came flying out in his shock all over the grass (think water foutain with enchilada sauce). Right behind him is Jorie and BLAM! she is

drenched in a rocket of water.

So now all the big kiddos are running up and down the sidewalk taunting mom who can't get anymore slack in the hose to really "get 'em". And we are laughing so hard that I think a few neighbors came out to see what is going on. I know I saw our next door neighbor laughing as he put his lawn mower away.

Well this went on for a bit more and then I recruited them to GET DAD! We formulated a plan... I faked a knee injury so Alyssa could run in, take the baby and have dad come out. It was perfect; I lay on the ground in "agony" with the hose under me. I was like a tiger waiting for the kill.

He comes over to help me up and I grabbed the hose...only I couldn't really see it so when I went full blast it was MY FACE that got it!!!!! LOL Dad went running for the door and in my heated exuberance I pointed the hose to shoot and got poor Alyssa who was holding Tabitha. BAD MOMMY I scared my sweet baby to death. That was the end of the hose war...but it was fun while it lasted.

Later my oldest told me that the little boy across the street came out to watch. He told her, "my mom would never do that!".

Don't miss an opportunity to have fun with your kids, they'll never forget it!

Yeah God!

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 21:35:00 -0500

Boy there has been so much going on with our youngest son. Juan came to us last week and asked if he could change his name. He wants to be known as Caleb. Well after much discussion we granted his request and he is now Caleb Tucker. The wonderful "no way it was a coincidence" thing is that Caleb means bold in Hebrew. Suddenly my shy little Juan is a new bolder Caleb. He is talking more to people outside the family, is making more requests, letting his sisters and brother know how he feels - it is truly amazing.

But the best thing is that today Caleb prayed and accepted Jesus and Lord and Savior. It was truly a wonderful and memorable moment. It happened during school and all the kids gathered around to pray for him and witness. Then this evening he got to tell his dad and we all went out for a celebration dinner at CiCis. Praise God!!! This child has just come so far in 4 months I have to thank our Lord for it!

Keep Caleb in your prayers as he enters another path on his journey.

Back to Blogging...a family update

Mon, 4 Sep 2006 19:15:00 -0500

I can hardly believe I haven't blogged for over a month! So much as happened since my last entry.

Some incredible news to share!!!! Our little Tabitha's adoption was final on September 1st! What a wonderful experience. Our foster and adoption case workers attended, her Casa volunteer (child advocate) and Tabitha's 1/2 sister (adopted via CPS too) and her parents were also there.

I was so excited that I could hardly sleep the day before. Amazingly I held it together until the judge announced "the child shall now be known as Tabitha Jane". O man! The tears just welled up and that feeling of just exhaling after holding your breath came over me. PEACE, RELIEF, JOY!!!!

Here are her latest pics:

Our son Juan has been with us for 3 months now but it feels like he has always been here. He and Jorie are like 2 peas in a pod and they get along so well - with normal sibling "stuff". His adoption is only 2 months away on National Adoption Day - so excited!!!!

The other kiddos are doing great too:

*Alyssa will join our Homeschool Speech and Debate Club this year - the coach says she is a natural debator (duh, like you have to tell a teenager's mother that!).

*TJ (and Juan) will be joining Alert Cadets with their Dad this year. This is a wonderful program for fathers and sons to volunteer together, learn scripture, camping and other life skills as our boys turn to manhood. I am so excited for them!

*Miss Jorie, aka Mom's Drama Queen. We are currently looking for another outlet for her wonderful dramatic flair and singing voice; the studio she was in last year closed their doors this summer. There is a fantastic new Christian Theater that has just started offering classes and we hope she will be able to go there.

Well that is a brief update on our house.

BTW is anyone reading this?????????

What About Me?

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 16:46:00 -0500

I have been struggling with that dark blah feeling that I have nothing of "me" left. The more I read and research I have found more and more that these feelings are directly from my sin nature and not the Lord. Then I read this wonderful article by Teri Maxwell and had to share!

Mom's Corner - October 2005
What About Me?
Part 1

Here is a portion of an e-mail I recently received: �I am a homeschooling mother (31) of five children (ages 13 years, 12 years, 10 years, 6 years, and 21 months) and a pastor�s wife. I can never sit down at the end of the day, have an accomplished feeling, and say �My job is done for the day.� I feel so burdened and pulled from so many directions. My house is pretty organized. My children have chores. They are very good kids, and we have many compliments on them. People seem to just adore our family, yet I feel so?!? I do love my family and would not trade it for the world. It just seems so hard keeping up all the time. When I turn my attention toward one thing, another is lacking; children, husband, housework, church, ladies meetings . . . How about just relaxing or fun??? What�s that? It�s like there is not enough of me to get it all done. I am not a lazy person. I work too hard, wear down, and get frustrated. It�s like a cycle.� A tired homeschool mom (used by permission)

This is a typical e-mail for me to find in my inbox. It forthrightly and honestly speaks of the reality of a homeschooling lifestyle. I can personally relate to this mom�s thoughts and feelings because I have had to deal with them myself. Because of these struggles, I have taken my questions to the Lord to seek His truth. I wanted to understand what He says about this rather than what others � even homeschool moms � might say.

Through my over twenty years of homeschooling, I find a propensity within homeschool circles, when faced with the issues this mom raises, to give advice along the lines of: slow down, find an easier curriculum, do less school, go easy on yourself, don�t expect too much of yourself or the children, take a break, and get housekeeping help. Any of these might be the solution to this mom�s problems. However, I have discovered a difficult, but exciting, truth in my study of Scripture as it relates to being a homeschool mom. This Scriptural direction does not endorse the same counsel that we tend to like to give each other; I, too, am quite prone to want to give encouragement in the direction of easing up. Instead, the Word takes a consistently strong stand on what I have come to see is, plainly and simply, hard work.

During my Bible reading time, I went through the New Testament with an eye for verses that applied to what our expectations as homeschooling moms should be considering the workload we face. How much work should we have to do? Can I expect to have personal time to do what I want to do? What about taking care of me? What does Scripture have to say that would apply to these types of questions?

As I made my study, I looked for verses that indicated I was entitled to fun, entertainment, relaxation, or some kind of focus on me. I wouldn�t have minded finding some Biblical admonition for this propensity of my flesh. I have to admit I was disappointed, but not surprised, not to be able to discover any verses that applied. I found many verses that had to do with being a servant, dying to self, and taking up my cross. However, I didn�t find one verse that mentioned or even alluded to fun, entertainment, or relaxation.

Verses I felt applied to having time for myself were ones that dealt with spiritual growth, such as, �Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth� (2 Timothy 2:15). Or, �But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever� (2 Peter 3:18). From these kinds of verses I could glean the importance of having time set aside in my day to spend with the Lord, reading the Word, praying, and memorizing Scripture. This wasn�t specifically stated, but rather it was implied because of the outcome to be gained. Time for Teri was to be spent allowing the Lord Jesus to spiritually teach, grow, and nurture me. I couldn�t find where it was to be selfishly spent doing what I wanted to do.

I am not saying that as homeschool moms we can never do something we enjoy for ourselves or that we can never relax. What I am trying to convey is that in Scripture we find a different picture than the world gives us of our role as mothers and our workload. The world�s view of work, almost any kind of work, is that it is to be accomplished as quickly as possible so that we are free to pursue our personal pleasures. That kind of pleasure is all the world has for which to live. When my expectations become set on having to have time for my own entertainment, I find myself grappling for what doesn�t satisfy and disappointed in the process. My focus becomes myself, easily filled with self-pity in what I might be missing and dissatisfaction with what I am accomplishing, much like the e-mail you just read in the beginning of this Mom�s Corner.

The Lord Jesus is telling me through His Word that my focus is not to be on how to get time for fun. Instead it is to be on Himself. John 15 tells me that I am to abide in Him, and He in me. When my thoughts are on Him, then my heart wants to be obedient more than it wants to serve self and be free of its workload. In the midst of that obedience comes the hard work associated with serving others, giving of my time and energy, and actually dying to self. However, with that sacrifice come the joy and contentment Paul talks about in Philippians 4.

In the next months, I want to continue looking into the workload of a homeschooling mom and our expectations. I plan to share particular verses that helped me deal with my thoughts and attitudes about this. May we each be a mom who chooses to obediently follow Jesus Christ, having a servant�s heart, without listening to the lies of the world.

If you would like to read the 2nd part of this or the rest of Teri's helpful articles go to http://www.titus2.com/corners/

Thursday Thoughts...Dad, Death and Flying

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 18:24:00 -0500

I leave tomorrow for Corpus Christi. I am going to visit with my Dad and frankly talk about the coming months as we deal with his illness and death. Isn't that morbid and really too "frank"?

I don't think I have been this depressed and dark ever before. My mother died when I was 13 and the thought of losing my dad is overwhelming. I go through moments of just crushing sadness; you know the kind where you just sit and stare between sobbing? Then life takes over and I go into automatic mode and can go hours without thinking about it.

Yesterday I was overcome with saddness just for Dad. I just couldn't get past how sad it was that this 55 year old man has had to deal with this for nearly 5 years and hoping for a transplant that will now never come. I thought of his guilt and regrets (too much to post here) and how we might talk about all this. SEDATION PLEASE!

On top of all this I found out my only living grandparent, my dad's dad, is having open heart surgery on July 6th. He is 83 years old and in poor health so we are all praying he will pull through this.

Tomorrow I fly...I absolutely did not want to fly. I hate flying...I actually have to take medication to get on the plane. On top of that I am leaving the kids (and baby) for 3 days - I have never done that. I am going all by myself. THE ANXIETY BUILDS...

Lord give me strength, peace and words of comfort. Be with my family, keep them safe and help my husband.

On another note my sweet son Juan is doing very well. He is making so many break throughs emotionally and his therapist is wonderful. He actually wanted me in his session yesterday and told me he will miss me when I am gone. I love him beyond measure - the Lord is so good.

I won't be posting again until next week.

Blessings,

Tiffany

Smiles from the Bible

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 13:26:00 -0500

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married?
A. Ruthless.

Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.

Q. Who is the greatest baby sitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.

Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck.

PS... Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee? Yup,
It�s in the Bible. It says . . "He-brews"

TV Fast?

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 10:03:00 -0500

I am considering a TV Fast for the kids and myself for 30 days.

Has anyone done this? What did you get out of it and how long was yours?

We have very strict time policies for computer/video game use but I have never really enforced them on the TV. It isn't that the kids and I just sit there all day or anything but it seems to be background noise a lot.

Curious on your experience...

A New Me

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:20:00 -0500

I am working on another blog - A Whole New Me. This new blog will focus on my progress as I work on me spiritually, physically and mentally.

While this will remain my main blog the other will be a more focused blog. I hope you check it out! :)

Just a Quick Update and a Prayer Request

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:12:00 -0500

Juan is doing great! The Lord is covering this family in such a way that it is indescribable! He has an infectious smile and an easy going personality. Everyone is smitten with him. :)

We hope to hear tomorrow that Tabitha's presentation (last step before adoption hearing) will be Tuesday or Wednesday. I am so excited!!!!

Lastly please pray for my father Harold. He was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis almost 5 years ago due to undiagnosed Hep C. Recently his doctors found cancer in his liver. He is scheduled to have a biopsy tomorrow between 8 - 9 am CST. This is a very risky procedure for someone with advanced cirrhosis because his platelet count is low. In addition he could be removed from the transplant list. Again please just pray as the Lord leads you. Thank you.

A little of this and that...

Fri, 9 Jun 2006 13:54:00 -0500

Juan has been here a week now. I am surprised how open and expressive he has become in such a short time. He is a pleasure to have here but I know he is still trying to figure us out. Juan is not calling us Mom and Dad yet - that will be an exciting time when we get to hear that.

We did sign his adoption placement papers and he now has our last name!!!!

I joined Curves today. I know I need to lose some weight and doing so would give me a ton more energy, which I desperately need!!! I am going to do my first workout tomorrow.

Juan is Here!!!!

Sat, 3 Jun 2006 07:10:00 -0500

Troy and I went out yesterday to have our first meeting with Juan. I now understand what the definition of painfully shy really is. He hardly looked at us and the few words he did say were very muffled. However he did smile many times when his foster mom talked about how excited he is.

After about an hour he decided he wanted to come home with us that day instead of the next. So FM packed a small bag with his things and we stopped on the way home to get him a Spider Man bathing suit. He warmed up a little bit on the ride home (over an hour) and we told everyone at home to give him some space when we first arrived.

He and Jorie seemed to connect initially, they are only 9 months apart in age. But once he got in the pool he really came out. He played ball with the kids and was smiling a ton (he has a beautiful smile). They were in the pool for, literally, hours. When I was actuall in the pool he talked to me more too! :)

We had a very late dinner and a little dessert. By then he could barely keep his eyes open; he actually asked me if he could go to bed. I tucked him in after he brused his teeth and Troy prayed for him.

I am excited to see how today will go!

He will stay again tonight and go to church with us on Sunday. After church and lunch we will be taking him back to the foster home for his goodbye night there. On Monday FM will bring him to our house to stay.

I think great strides have been made and the next few months will really be an adventure!

More Juan Information

Thu, 1 Jun 2006 23:26:00 -0500

The Pathway's therapist met with Juan last night and showed him our album. He is very excited and the thing he is MOST excited about is...HOMESCHOOLING!!!!!! Our caseworker made sure to note that in his file because we plan to ask to homeschool him before the adoption is final so he won't have to go to public school.

We get to meet him for the first time tomorrow. I am so nervous and excited and my brain is swimming in thoughts. As I was painting the boy's room today I prayed a lot over it and for Juan and our family. I sang some of my favorite hymns too. I just wanted to pour blessings over that room.

I thought I might start having some fear or that "buyer's regret" feeling about now. But I have such peace and anticipation about the future! The Lord is so good!!!! I already love him - isn't that incredible? How can anyone explain that but to say this is all GOD?!?!?

THANK YOU JESUS!

Thank you all for praying for us and posting such encouraging words. Keep those prayers coming - we will be meeting him tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. TX time!

Juan is coming!!!!

Wed, 31 May 2006 17:27:00 -0500

Presentation for Juan was this morning at 11:00 a.m. It went very well and we are even more sure and excited about him!

This is the placement plan:

1. He has already talked to the agency's therapist about adoption placement and is very excited.

2. Today he is getting to see our family album.

3. Friday morning the therapist goes out again to discuss adoption and prepare him for our first visit.

4. Friday afternoon Troy and I go out by ourselves for a short visit at his foster home.

5. Saturday morning we pick him up for an overnight visit. He will get to meet his new grandparents also as they are visiting.

6. Sunday he will go to church with us and then we will return him to the foster home for a good bye night.

7. Monday his foster mom will bring him to our home for permanent placement.

8. Thursday morning we sign his placement papers!!!!

9. CPS has agreed to waive the 6th month so we can adopt him on National Adoption Day in November (the week before Thanksgiving)

10. PARTY!!!!!

We found out his favorite color is red and TJ's is blue so I bought matching red and blue bedding today. I am painting their room a sandy brown (also in the bedding) tonight.

Everyone is very excited about Juan coming. I am too and a little nervous. Getting a newborn was easy but I want my new son's placement to go well. Being that he is 9 I know there will be an adjustment period but I am giving that to God.

Keep us in your prayers.