This time of year is always hard for at least 2 of our 4 children. 

This is the time of year when we hear from Princesses birthmother so we can schedule a visit for after Christmas.  It's hard for me.  And it's hard on Bubba.  But we do it for Princesses sake.  And I'm glad that BM has kept her promise to stay involved.  It has been very good for Princess and I highly recommend it, no matter how hard it is on Momma.  I

Little Bit has always struggled with the holidays.  And according to a counselor we know, that is not uncommon.  Many adopted children struggle during this time of year.  Yeah! LB is normal. 

Bubba struggles with his BM making a promise that she didn't keep.  He struggles with wondering where she is.  Why she kept 3 of her children, but not him.  He is angry with her, and I think rightfully so.  She told us she would stay in his life, and she didn't.  Bubba is curious about her.  Having a picture of her isn't enough.    This is also a normal part of being an adopted child.  This time of year is hard because he knows that Princess will see his birthmother, but he won't see or hear anything from his.  He so desperately wants to know-- that's all.  He is all boy, but he is also tender and sweet with a huge heart.  He wants to know if she's okay.  And for her to know that he is okay. 

There are many discussions within our family during this time of year.  Some late night discussions, with a 9 year old even.   Affirmations spoken that God has put our children exactly where He wants them to be.  Affirmations that birthmothers loved and love even though they have decided to not be involved in our sons life.  Affirmations that short of God calling us home, LB doesn't have to be afraid that Shane or I are going anywhere.  Affirmations that God has put our family together. 

Praise God, He is mighty and strong and powerful and in His perfect will we have a beautiful family that loves each other dearly. 

We have been wondering exactly how this adoption would work.  Monday morning it seems our answer came.  i got a call from a SW at AWAA that I had talked to a couple of weeks ago.  He had talked to the director and came up with a fee for helping us.  It is EXTREMELY reasonable!!!  They will assist and put their stamp on our paperwork and we will do everything else.  YEHAW!!!!!  It's possible that we may wait to travel until Feb.  hoping that a court date will be in place by then.  (yes, minor miracle considering how this has been working so far).   

So, yesterday, we completed their application, called our social woker, filled out the I-600A and today I made the appointment with USCIS.  (dept of homeland security) to turn in our application and hopefully get fingerprinting done that same day.  The ball is definately rolling.  Our contact in Latin America said she would ask the judge to publish the notice in the papers there.  It has to publish for 90 days. 

So it looks like things are moving for us to have 5 children.  Scary... and exciting all at the same time.  Gotta love it!         

We are in the 1st trimester of an extremely high risk adoption. 

Did you get that?  This is a very long shot.  But God is opening doors and we are committed to walking through them as long as they are open.  KAY is in one of the hardest countries to adopt from.  But our contact there has an excellent relationship with the "right" people... I don't want to mention the country at this point because I'm not sure I should.  But I will say this country is in Latin America... that gives you a wide variety to pick from but not the specific country.   One of the pluses, travel won't be near as difficult to this country as to Liberia. 

KAY has what appears to be mild-moderate Cerebral Palsy and could greatly benefit from therapies that she can get in the U.S. that she will not get in her country.  When adoptions happen in this country, it seems that 5 years to get a child home is not out of the norm.  We don't want to wait that long, for many reasons, but right now she is young enough that we feel with the right help, she can lead a near normal life. 

We have been trying to figure out how to make this work for about 2 months now.  But seem to have fewer answers now than we did when we started.  Isn't that the way it normally works? 

Option 1-- pay lots of money to an agency that has never facilitated an adoption in this country, but is wanting to do so.

Option 2-- try doing this independently through their government agency.  We like Option 2 better at this point, but are working on both ends to figure out how to go about it through the proper channels.

So I know you're waiting for a picture.  Wait no longer...

Isn't she a cutie????  She is 5 weeks younger than Sweet Cheeks.  I have often thought there would be twins in our future... not sure we'll get much closer than this.  :) 

It will be a HUGE miracle if this happens.  We would greatly appreciate your prayers for this process.  Also, please pray for Princess.  She has os wanted a sister old enough for her for a long time...  it is bothering her a little not to have that, again. 

We are planning to travel to meet KAY in January.   I got my passport today.  Yippee-- it was fast.  One week and 1 after I applied at the post office.  We are hoping to meet with the Social Worker, Judge and Attorney in country when we go visit. 

Again, it seems doors are opening, we're just not sure how to proceed.  We have been told that the "right" people want to see this happen too.  God's will, God's time, God's perfect plan...

This year will be the 2nd that we are hosting Thanksgiving at our house.  Some of the extended family from Iowa haven't been able to come the last 2 years and we have friends that have no extended family close.  Our house has the next biggest family room, so it's logical.  And  Grandma (Shane's Grandma) doesn't over extend herself.  We LOVE having gatherings at our place.   

I thought it would be fun to post our menu for Thanksgiving and traditions and see what everyone else did for the occasion.  At our house, everyone pitches in, so no one is overwhelmed with kitchen duties all week our 3 oldest are helping too).   We make one long table  and use large Chinet plates, served buffet style from the kitchen island.  This year I will have the punch bowl out, but I will also have the larger plastic cups available for those that want more than a little punch glass will hold.  I would LOVE to do an elaborate table, but, imo, ease is more important when it involves a lot of people.  Shane will read a historic Thanksgiving day Proclaimation.  And we might all tell what we are thankful for from the past year. 

Oh and we get to do all this in my newly painted great room... my mil and I painted Saturday while the men worked outside.  The younger girls watched Sweet Cheeks.  The back wall is a nice rich red (looks great with our G. Washington print and the Lincoln plates, beside the Constitution and Declaration and our woodstove pipe). The other walls are a light chocolate brown--my own creation after a trip to the hardware store, when I started painting and found the same color going up that was already there .  I got a darker chocolate brown and mixed both together.  The back wall still needs to be done, but the bookcases would have taken way to long to move. 

So here's the menu:

Shane's smoked turkey (all night on the smoker--this year there are 2) Absolutely delicious!

cheesy corn casserole (me)

sweet potato casserole (brown sugar, and spices, topped with pecans--me)

green bean casserole --the classic with frozen grean beans instead of canned (little bit)

homemade noodle with gravy over mashed potatoes (grandma and mil)

Stove Top stuffing (me--it's moist and easy)

Canned Cranbery sauce-- it's tradition!

Grandma's sweetheart salad (crushed pineapple and cherry jelled salad mixed with cool whip and cream cheese--Bubba)

Pumpkin pie (Princess)

Pecan pie (mil)

fruit salad (family friend)

White grape juice and sprite in the Princess House punch bowl (sil--she travels so this is easy for her.  She's also helping Grandma with noodles--that's their tradition). 

Okay... so what's your menu??? Please comment if you decide to post your Thanksgiving menu and traditions. 

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!  No matter what your place in life at this time, there is something to be thankful about. 

BTW, look for that special announcement after Thanksgiving... that's when it'll be coming :)

I could not mention this before as Princess and I decided to surprise my friend Nicole and her daughter and show up at the retreat.  And that we did.  It was so fun!

I struggled with wanting to go to the Above Rubies retreat in Arkansas this year.  Oh it wasn't that I didn't want to go.  I didn't want to spend the money involved to get there,(even though Shane was not concerned)  nor did I want to spend 6 + hours in the car driving there.  But alas, Princess and I ended up making the trip afterall.  And it was well worth it! 

So Vange spoke this year for the first time in 2 years.  WOW!  She is like my Bubba and Sweet Cheeks together on steroids, jumping up and around all over the place... telling us what we needed to hear in no uncertain terms.  She talked to us about not belly-aching about motherhood!  And about Discipline. I bought her teaching set and can't wait to listen.  I also purchased Serene and Pearls newest CD, about marriage.  It's incredible... wonderful music to encourage us as wives to our husbands.  I was also able to get Nancy's study guide on the family meal table.  I have wanted for so long, Shane told be before I left to get it, so I did. 

Nancy spoke about us mothers being the Shepherdesses of our flock.  She had 13 points she covered and I must say that a little of each point touched me.  I can't say that one particularly grabbed me.  Maybe after I go back and review my notes something will.  The fellowship was wonderful and I was able to renew aquaintances and made new friends.  I have a feeling that some of the people I met will become great long distance friends (like Nicole). 

This was a weekend of confirmation for me:

Because Vange spoke we didn't have a time of testimony yesterday morning, but instead broke down to groups of 3-4 and prayed for one another... was that INCREDIBLE!  I was with 2 other ladies that were definately filled with the Spirit and Shabba spoke an encouraging Word of the Lord over me that I needed to hear.  Honestly, that was probably the most encouraging to me of the weekend. 

Through Christ, I am adequate in His Spirit to mother my children.  Shabba spoke the verse "Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord" I claim that verse for myself.  And I fully admit that I have been trying to do this on my own as of late.  Oh Lord Jesus let me rest in you to mother my children as you desire for me! 

Shabba also spoke the Word of truth saying that I am especially blessed as an adoptive mother.  You see sometimes I feel less than adequate because I haven't birthed my children in my womb.  I think of the curse of the barren woman and the Evil one begins to speak to me.  That is the one thing that bothers me at the AR retreats.  There is much emphasis put on bearing children in YOUR womb... it is especially hurtful to hear, "Wow, many times when you're adopting God blesses the womb, maybe you'll get pregnant too." (that was spoken to someone else this weekend, not to me, but I cringed as I thought of the curse that was spoken to this first time adoptive mother). 

Adoptive children are blessings too!  And quite honestly it takes just as much love or more to bring a child into your home that you have no earthly ties to and make them as your own. 

I am not a second class citizen because God has chosen to not bless my womb, but he has chosen to bless my heart--as that is where my children are born... This is the path God has chosen for me.  And I am proud to follow that calling for my life.

We also spoke to a friend about an opportunity we have been given that is in similar shoes.  God used her to confirm that we are doing the right thing.  So look for some exciting news in the near future (don't you just love that I'm leaving you hanging?????)

Psalmody braided Princess's hair for her (look for a picture soon) and Princess decided she doesn't like having a cold head, but she LOVES the updo.  She was almost giddy the entire weekend.  So fun to see her getting so excited over hearing Nancy and Vange's teaching, and Serene, Pearl and Meadow's singing, and fellowshipping with young girls and older women... praise God for his provision!  We are blessed!   

Apparently the attorneys at HSLDA think that this horrible "treaty" will make another appearance with Obama in office.  They have recently sent out information about it again after a long hiatus. 

Have you seen it?  If you haven't you need to right now.  Although some of it may sound good on the surface, it destroys any rights a parent has over their children of any age. 

Well on our local support groups email loop today was a response to HSLDA's warning from an Obama supporter.  Yikes!  Unfortunately, she didn't appear to have a clue as to the damage this little document could do. Not only in education, but just about any realm of parental authority. 

 I believe the article in question as far as being a threat to our home educating our children is Article 28 a.

a) Make primary education compulsory and available free to all

So I wrote her privately and explained.  I thought it might be good to post here for any thinking that this document would be a good thing.

but we finally made our first trip to the ER. 

The children were outside yesterday afternoon getting some energy out. (And it's only November).  Sweet Cheeks got a hold of a mushroom in the yard. Bubba came running in to tell us.  Shane called poison control and they recommended the ER.  We knew that if she swallowed any at all it wasn't more than 1/4 teaspoon because Princess got to her right away and dug it out.  But we also didn't want to take any chances. 

Shane and Princess took Sweet Cheeks, while I stayed home with the boys.  Princess went and picked some of the mushroom and put it in a paper bag.  That's instructions from poison control, no plastic. 

I was sorting clothes and making a good dent in it, and their room was a mess, so it made sense for Shane to take her-- on that front, I got it all done in one day and no boxes of clothes are sitting on their floor for weeks at a time--yippee!. 

I also called our family doctor (gotta love him) and he recommended ER unless we could confirm that it was a Morel.  We're not very mushroom savvy, but we know it wasn't a Morel. 

Sweet Cheeks bounced her way all over the ER.  She was so active that Shane wasn't able to do anything but watch her, eventhough he had taken his laptop.  She never acted sick or anything.  The ER doctor apparently spent about an hour on the internet researching and never found the exact mushroom,  he also researched the top 30 poisonous mushrooms and this one didn't look like any of them.   (I'm thinking I could have done that at home and saved an ER visit).  But in this situation, I'd much rather be safe than sorry and it could have been a dangerous mushroom and made her very ill, or caused her kidney's to fail.   Especially since she can't really tell us that she didn't swallow any. 

ER doctor, gave us instructions to keep an eye on her for the next couple of days, if her urine becomes bright yellow or she is producing less or more than she usually does, bring her back or to our Dr.  

Shane was only gone about 3 hours.  And we were even able to go on with our usual Sunday evening ritual, even though it was a little later than usual.  Something fun to eat (in this case smoked ribs and fries) and a DVD  "Ben Stein's Expelled".  Which we had not seen yet. 

So that's it.  Our first trip to the ER.  Actually with Bubba in our house, I'm very surprised it took 12 years.  I expected it much sooner

I know this is my 3rd post today, but I could not let today go by without mentioning that 2 years ago today Sweet Cheeks came home from Liberia. 

Thinking back to how small she was and how sick she seemed to be.  How quiet she was... how tiny she looked as she was in the Snuggli on Shane's chest as he walked out of the secure area at the St. Louis airport.   Then that first smile she gave me in the middle of the night as she was drinking her bottle.   How we didn't really know what the future would hold for her.  

Well, we still don't know what the future will hold for her, but she is certainly not struggling any longer.  And her trachea seems to be growing straighter, she eats everything in sight.  Is extremely opinionated and just as happy as ever, most of the time.  I'm so thankful for 3 before her, because I'm not sure I could keep up with her if it were just her and me... even if I was 10 or 15 years younger than I am.   I'm still looking for the "off" button. Oh yea, that happens when I put her to bed.  She rolls over and is promply sleep in about 2 minutes. 

We are so very blessed!

I don't know how many of my blogging friends might be interested in this, but I've got to post it anyway. 

I have written  about my sweet Uncle Chip before.  He was in the music industry until he retired several years ago.  He was a guitarist and producer for many years.  Most known for his picking with Elvis many, many years ago.  He also picked on Billy Swan's 1976 (I think) hit song "I Can Help" 

He was very good friends with Jerry Reed and in fact they grew up together in Atlanta, GA.   I remember Jerry in "Smokey and the Bandit" and the song "When You're Hot You're Hot" but there were other songs and movies he was known for.  Jerry died earlier this fall.  But Jerry and my Uncle had built a gas model airplane and Jerry wanted to see it auctioned off for charity.  The letter my Uncle sent the states that the proceeds will go to "Feed the Children"  

Here is the link for the Ebay auction    Go check it out and if you're into gas model airplanes... bid on it.  BTW,  The handsome guy on the left is my Uncle...

And Obama CAN'T "change" that! 

Disappointed yes!!!!!!  But our God is a Mightly God!!!!  The One and Only God and He not only allowed this, but it is in His ultimate plan! 

First, McCain was NOT a true conservative!  He voted with the democrats  many times-- including the recent bail out.  And, instead of confirming supreme court justices nominated by Bush that would have interpreted the constitution as it was written 200+ years ago.  One that pops to mind is Alito. 

 He is also not pro-life.  Don't care what National Right to Life says.  He supports government funding of embryotic stem cell research. 

Will babies die under Obama?  Unfortunately, yes.  Will more babies die under Obama than are already being murdered under the name of "choice"?  Maybe, but I'm not convinced that anything different would have happened had McCain won.  I doubt seriously that Roe V Wade would have been overturned during a McCain presidency.  And honestly, the farther we get away from the decision, the harder it will be to overturn it.

Hopefully, the Republican party has learned that it NEEDS us ultra-conservatives on it's side to win... I am convinced that is why Obama didn't win.    And quite honestly, it peeved me that McCain didn't think he needed us to win.  True, those of us voting 3rd party didn't add up to more than a couple of percentage points in any one state, but I still think we made a point.  

Of course I am also disappointed that many ended up voting for "the lesser of two evils."  Friends, that is not the way to vote.  Let's see, abortion in the first trimester? Or partial birth abortion?  Neither-- thank you very much.  You can't vote for the lesser of two evils and expect good to come from it.  In other words, two wrongs don't make a right! 

I truly don't see this outcome as a vote for Obama or "change."  I see this as a vote against Bush... very sad that people cannot overlook their pocketbooks for the good of the country though.  Especially considering that it was the Clinton administration that paved the way for Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac...

I am sad... I am sad that the networks accentuated the racial divide by showing us how "white voter voted."  Yes, at least one network broke their analysis down that way.   And we have our first "African American" president... unless he just got off the boat from Africa-- He ain't AA... I have a daughter that IS African-American, but her children will be Americans.  Obama is black, or brown, or even chocolate, but he's not AA any more than I am a "Polish-German, French, English, Etc... American."  I am of the firm opinion that giving titles such as this further divides our country racially... instead of remember it's melting pot roots.  Can't we just be just plain old "Americans" again?????

I am sad that those in the inner cities that are gonna get "more of the same" at the expense of those that actually work for a living.  I would like to see people working to encourage those in the inner city to work for a living instead of depending on "Robin Hood" for their money. 

If you think about it, that's what Obama wants for the majority of the country-- the inner cities is what big government has given us.  That and long lines at the DMV with sour faced employees that don't really give a cr*p whether you get your license or not.

I am sad for what we may have to face over the next 4 years at the expense of this country's stupidity to elect the most liberal senator ever to the White House. 

And I am sad that the government schools have indoctrinated our young people so they cannot think for themselves, they have been taught the liberal agenda for many years now, and it is coming to fruition... even those in the church.  This is the first election many of them would have voted that were born any time after 1986. 

I have a friend whose children decided to wear black yesterday to show mourning for the election and the probable outcome.  I thought about wearing black today... But you know what?  After this post, I think I'm going to wear red, or bright pink or something fun! 

Afterall, it is going to amazing to see God's plan unfold in the coming days ahead!

Please read the comments too... some nameless someone asked an interesting question and my answer is in the comment section.