Wednesday, July 28, 2010

{Creating Life} Drawing on the heart.



Notice the cup on the table.  lol  No I didn't stage that. :)

The past couple few days our home has been buzzing with activity.   There is nothing like trying prepare for FSA conference.   There are always things that pop up that we have forgotten about or decide to do last minute.     There are lose ends to tie and things you are worrying about and hoping it will all be ok even if you forgot to do that "one thing".     Add these types of things on top of caring for 4 cute kids....the only word that comes to mind is exhausting!  I feel like a zombie today....lack of sleep is clearly part of it.   I think I had one too many diet cokes yesterday because I woke up at 3am with what I believe to be a hot flash....this is a little disturbing since I am only 36.   HELLO I am not ready for that yet....and yet I am not surprised.  Nothing in my reproductive life has ever been "normal" so why not the age menopause kicks in?  (I don't really think I am menopausal....just stressed).

Anyway....I wanted to share what my girls have been working on this week.   This will be the first FSA Conference that includes Art Exhibits created by FSA members and their families.  There will be a children's wall of art so of course my girls wanted to be included.   I think their work turned out very cute and creative!


This is Haley's picture...each bubble has a member of our family drawn in it.
This one is Brenley's.   We have a "bug" theme in our family.  Brad and I are the "BB's" so we are bumble bees.  Brenley is our Butterfly, Haley our Ladybug, Camden our Grasshopper (lil' hopper as we call him) and Spencer for now is our baby Caterpillar.  She drew us all as part of one hive.

Two days until conference.....can't wait!!!!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Matching Mondays



My heart was touched by these three sibling groups. 
Please take a peek at each group and see if you might be the family for them.
If you know of other families who are hoping to adopt please share these children with them.
Also...if you don't have a Matching Mondays Button please feel free to grab one and put it on your blog.


Utah
Kayla & Issac ages 11 & 8.


Oregon
William, Jordan, Christopher and Cole ages 7, 4 & 8 months twins.
Oregon

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Touching Lives




In 2005 while trying to adopt a 3rd time we put our profile on parentprofiles.com.   We had many contacts but only 2 we could say were "real".   One of them we will just call "T".  T contacted us when she was only 5 weeks along....yes I said 5 weeks.   At the time I thought for sure she was a scammer...we had just gone through an ugly scam and I thought we were talking to another liar.  As it turns out she was real and was feeling really alone, scared and looking at options.   We chatted online often and talked on the phone.   A couple of weeks later I had a distinct impression to email T a song by Janice Kapp Perry called "I Gave You More".   A day or so later I heard back from T.   She was emotional and thanked me for sending her the song.   Her unexpected pregnancy was weighing on her.  She already had a preschooler and was unsure how she was going to handle another child. She also suffers from Hypermesis Gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy).   She had decided to make an appointment for an abortion.  On the day she was suppose to go she received my email with the song included.   The song touched her heart and she didn't go through with the abortion.   She decided to place her baby with us.    Sometime between 7-10 weeks along (can't remember exactly anymore) she got in contact with LDS FS and our file was put on firm hold.
We drove to Montana and meet T and her daughter.  We got to go to the ultrasound and find out the baby was a girl.   We planned to name her Elizabeth.  We gave T and her daughter baskets of fun gifts including the quilt we had made for our 3rd Birth Mother.   We left excited about the idea of adding another girl to our family....excited to have the opportunity to be parents again.
Twenty weeks (give or take a few) later all of the sudden we couldnt' get in touch with T.   She wasn't emailing, calling ...nothing.   I had a feeling I should look at the hospital website and see if the baby was listed online.   Then I saw the beautiful baby girl.....she named her Lydia.  I knew when I saw the picture...well really I think I already knew but it solidified it.....this baby wasn't going to be ours.   We emailed T and then she contacted us and let us know she was parenting.   It as heartbreaking.   It was the day of the National FSA Picnic....the day before the National Conference.   We could have stayed home...no one would have blamed us but I knew that we would be surrounded by people who understood this loss.   We went to the picnic, we presented at the conference and received much love and support.   Then we went home to grieve and feel all the feelings you feel when you have a loss.
There was one thought that did bring me comfort.   This baby was never meant for us...but maybe T found us because she needed a friend, support and she needed something to give her courage to allow her baby to live and be able to get through the pregnancy.   
This baby girl wasn't meant for our family but knowing she is alive in part because we followed a feeling sent from Heavenly Father brought some comfort and I feel like our lives were meant to intertwine for a while.   Sometimes the purpose behind experiences are hard to  understand...our actions during that time might be what another needs to help them through what they are facing.   We just never know the effect we might have on another who is struggling.
I would be lying if I said that this failed placement didn't hurt.....it was really hard and it took a full year to get through.   But we were not left alone to grieve.   I felt the prayers of others lift me up and help me get through many months.   The true impact of what had happened didn't come upon me for many many months.   I am so thankful for loving family and friends and especially for a loving Savior who understand me and knows how to heal me.
Loss is painful no matter what package it comes in.   But I know there  is one who suffered beyond my comprehension who helps me along my way, guides me as I prepare for His healing and then He heals in the way only He can and in His time.  It is only His healing that is lasting.   I have felt it in my life...especially the past 6 years.
I had no idea when entering adoption how our life would be impacted in such an incredible way....so many lives touching ours...so many opportunities to touch others hearts.  My life is richer, fuller and sweeter because of our journey to parenthood...the good, the sad and the ugly.  
In the end it brought us a beautiful life!

  

Saturday, July 24, 2010

The Crazy Week Begins



Today marks the first day of the busiest week in the Small Adventures home.   In exactly 6 days the National Conference for Families Supporting Adoption (aka FSA) begins.  Brad and I have served on the National Board for over 5 years now....this conference makes #6 for us as National Board members.   It is one of the  highlights of our year and we completely enjoy every moment!    We were asked to serve in spring of 2005.  We had already been working with the mastermind behind the sense of FSA....Steve Sunday.   We were helping him put together info for families who were trying to adopt.  We helped with "finding ideas" that later were placed in a little booklet called "Someones Missing....".  It was a privilege to work with Steve and to have the experiences Brad and I had as we received direction from a loving Heavenly Father.... direction that ended up blessing not only our family but also many many other hopeful adoptive couples.  I know the ideas that came were not ours...they were His.  We just feel so blessed to have been used as a tool to get them out there where others could use them.

I remember when Steve asked Brad and I to present at the 2005 conference on "Making Your Adoption Happen".   It was the first time in my life I had ever given a presentation.   I was scared to death...I mean SCARED!!!!!  I prayed alot and felt my courage rise to the challenge.  At that point the only thing that could have ever gotten me to say yes to something so scary would be something in adoption.   We felt so passionate about giving back...I would have said yes to anything that involved adoption.    Saying yes turned out to be a milestone in our lives...especially mine.   Each year we have been asked to present on a topic and each year I have learned more about how to create (what I hope to be) a useful presentation.  Best of all the fear of public speaking is gone.  As long as I am prepared I enjoy the experience.   This is the first conference where we will not be presenting an entire class....instead we will be sharing our personal experiences in being foster parents in the Foster to Adopt program here in Utah.   I am excited to share all that we have learned and share a few special pictures of our favorite little babies we have cared for.   My kids were happy that Mom and Dad didn't have months of preparations for a huge presentation....I think they were starting to believe that was what summers were for.  :)

I hope you will join us  at the Families Supporting Adoption National Conference.   You can find info and register by going to this blog.   It is for anyone involved in adoption!

Before the busiest week of our year begins I wanted to wish those in Utah a Happy Pioneer Day!   My own ancestors crossed the plains and helped build this incredible state....I am happy to be a Utahan and enjoy this special holiday!


Not quite a pioneer outfit....but a cute lil' farmer.
This picture of Spencer was taken at a baby contest in our area.  My Dad grew up on a farm so it reminds me of him.

Happy 24th of July!!!
Thankful for all the hard work that created Utah!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Friday Family Fun: The Joy found in Rodents.



Thankfully these rodents don't leave little droppings around the house.
The perfect pet for Mom!
I had seen the commercials about these little critters but I didn't realize how much fun they really are.  
My kids have been playing with them non stop.
Even Spencer has gotten in on the action.


Camden received 2 ZhuZhu pets from his Aunt Diane the day after his accident.   This cheered him up in a big way!   Then Brenley received 2 for her birthday.  Camden has been sharing his with Haley.   All of my children are getting in on the fun.  I am putting ZhuZhu accessories on the list of ideas for Christmas.
My favorite part is the cute sounds they make.

I love fun toys!!!!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Tailor Made Miracles.


Haley as newborn.

I am a follower of this blog.   Kolette is an amazing woman and has incredible ideas.  It seems she is always giving to others and I really admire her.   I don't know her personally....I am just one of her readers.    When I learned her and her hubby (Jason) struggled to start a family I felt even more connected to her.   You know....that feeling that this person would "get me".   Today I had the blessing of being laid up in my recliner to help decrease the pain from a steroid injection.   Because I was sitting here being bored....I starting reading.    I read this post on Jason's blog.    It is a long post but once you start you just can't stop until you hear the whole story.    Their story to parenthood is amazing and my heart has been touched deeply.   By the end of the story I had tears rolling down my cheeks.   

Everyone who asks will receive direction on where the Lord wants them to go, what He wants them to do and when we follow those feelings our lives will be blessed.   For some infertile couples the answers are some type of treatment.....others it is infant adoption or other forms of adoption and then for some couples the answers say "be still".     I know the Lord knows the end from the beginning.  I have witnessed this in my own life time and time again.   His miracles are tailor made for each of His children.   I hope you will take a moment and read Jason and Kolette's miracle.  
 I promise it will leave a mark on your heart!

Taste of Summer

Spencer enjoying a homemade frozen treat.
A version of this recipe.

Things have been a little crazy at our house.   From Brenley's Birthday fun to Camden's nose injury to Spencer's high fever virus I have been one busy busy Mom. This is why you haven't seen my Creating Life or Friday's Family Fun ....my hands have been very full.
  I am happy to say that Brenley's Birthday went well and so far 10 is great!  Camden's nose is less swollen and things are healing.    Spencer is doing a little better today but he still wants to be held.  I am actually enjoying this part so no complains here.    
We have been staying inside and enjoying the air conditioned home.   We are at least enjoying the tastes of summer even if we aren't out in the heat.    I have only 4 weeks left until I have to share my kids with teachers, homework and activities so I am going to soak up all the time I can.
If you are going to walmart....they have some really yummy otter pop type popsicles...but they aren't that brand..not sure what they are called but I really like them.   Pick some up...you won't be sorry.  :)
St
ay Cool! 

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Sending Smiles and Thanks.

I just wanted to thank you for all of the emails and comments over the past few weeks.  You are all so sweet and I feel loved when I hear from you.   It has been a crazy weekend with Cam's accident and now Spencer is sick so I will be having a week off from Matching Mondays but I couldn't go to bed tonight without saying

THANK YOU! 
I appreciate your thoughtfulness!
I found this quote today...
""Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." (Plato)
It stood out to me as truth....you never know what another person is going through in their life or within themselves.   Sometimes that small act, kind word, or sincere smile is just what they need in that one moment.   Thanks for blessing my life in those "one" moments!
I hope your week is full of Smiles and Joy!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

My little Stitch has seven stitches.

After....
10 and 1/2 hours in the ER,
a broken nose,
mild concusion,
7 stitches,
struggling waking out of anesthesia,
moments away from being admitted (but he woke up right then),
and having a very close call with a very large deer...
Camden and I arrived home at 5:30 am today.

I'm very tired.
Maybe the movie about the boy in the bubble had the right idea? :)




Sorry for the blurry picture.  My camera has issues.  :(   This is Camden when he finally woke up all the way.  It took a long while.

So glad to be home.
Camden is glad to have a nose.  He kept asking over and over again...
"Is my nose going to fall off?"

Friday, July 16, 2010

Stitch's Adventures in the ER.

Camden aka "Stitch" was having fun this evening at our family reunion while Brad and I  were in FSA meetings.  Stitch was enjoying the water fun with all the other kids having fun going down the slip and slide...but then Stitch decided to walk up the slide while a his teen cousin was going down.   And as you might have guessed the two collided and Stitch ended up in the ER.   We are sitting here with a large gash in his nose and nose probably broken.

Brad and I were called out of the meetings....Brad stayed and ran the meetings while I rushed to Primary.   Stitches Papa (Grandpa) took him to the hospital and even had to deal with vomiting along the way (Dad you Rock!).  

Stitch is a trooper...only freaks out when he sees the blood on his hands.   He looked in the mirror and exclaimed "Dang!  That is a big cut!" in his little 4 year old voice.   

We are on the verge of the stitches for Stitch....pictures to come.

I LOVE being a parent...even on these types of days!  I waited a long time for this!  :)  But I agree with Camden....he says


"I wish I didn't have done this."  

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Ten Years? Feels like yesterday!

Ten years ago today one of the greatest things happened to Brad and Me.....a beautiful baby girl was placed in our arms.   I remember the moment as if it just took place only moments ago.  I recall the feelings of love and gratitude that took over and caused me to sob so hard I couldn't speak.  It was an incredible day full of bittersweet feelings of joy and sadness.  Joy for us but sadness for Brenley's Birth Mom.   There were immense feelings of love, happiness and the feeling that all we had been through was worth it!  

Today I have reminisced about the past 10 years and how much I love being Brenley's Mom!  I feel so blessed.  
Before Brenley came I felt so lost.  I didn't feel like my life had purpose and I was busy each day doing work that I hated and I felt so unfulfilled.   I remember the pain of longing to be a Mother but day after day it felt as if it would never happen.  There were days I thought I would die I hurt so much inside.  I tried to remember that everyday I didn't become a Mother meant I was closer to the day I would.  Some days it helped....and then there were those other days that nothing but the comfort only the Lord could send would help me get through another childless day. 

Now ten years later I still remember all of the feelings and I continue to count Brenley and my other 3 children as 4 of my greatest blessings!  I love being a Mother and sharing Motherhood with four other special women. 

How did I get so lucky?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

{Creating Life} Celebrating Brenley



Brenley at 2 weeks old.  Sorry for the fuzzy picture...this was before the digital age. :)
Brenley is officially 10!  Where did my sweet brand new baby go???  I was looking through pictures last night and my heart tugged as I recalled all the fun Brenley and I had together over the years.   It seems like each year goes by faster now.  I feel like I need to grasp every moment and imprint it in my mind before it gets away from me.   I also feel like I need to take ever opportunity to continue to establish a special relationship with my daughter.
Brenley is growing up to be a thoughtful young lady.   One thing I love about Brenley is her honesty.   She has proven herself that we can trust what she says.   This has been especially important lately as she has faced some interesting situations.   I feel so thankful to have a daughter who believes honesty is the best policy.

A few days ago Brenley surprised me.   She was being a sleepy head after staying up late.  I needed to run an errand so I asked her if she wanted to keep sleeping or go with me.  She stated she wanted to sleep so I got all the other kids in the van and ran my short errand.  I returned home to find Brenley wide awake.  She had jumped out of bed after she heard the garage door close and she hurried and cleaned her room and made her bed along with her sisters bed and then went and cleaned the loft.   When I came home I was so surprised and touched by her thoughtfulness.   

I am so thankful Brenley is my daughter!  She is the answer to many years of praying.   I love Brenley's  Birth Mother and enjoy the opportunity to have a relationship with her.   She is busy these days with a hubby and 2 little girls.  I am so thankful for her incredible courage and love!

Today I had a fun little surprise waiting for Brenley as she woke up and came into the kitchen.   I had this waiting for her.



My friend told me about this project she saw on KSL studio 5.  So I went and took and peek and loved it!  Go here to see their tutorial.
I added my own touch.
Next time I will make copies of the pictures in a bigger size and then cut them down into circles.   I didn't want to cut my originals so I left them in rectangles.  Also if I make copies I won't worry about using hot glue to attach them.
This was alot of fun to create and Brenley loved it!

Happy Birthday Brenley!!
I am so lucky to be your Mom!!!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Matching Mondays



I have been pondering over how to increase traffic to states sites that have waiting children.  I usually copy and paste a child's info on my blog each Monday but I am going to try something new.   Rather than giving you all the info here I am going to just simple give the State, name of the child, age and you can click on their name to link over to their page to learn more.   Maybe the child I decide to feature doesn't feel like a fit for your family but as you go and look at other children waiting from the same website you might find the one that was meant for you.
I may end up going back to the old format but I wanted to try this for a little while.  :)


Utah

Shade age 13.
To see other waiting children in Utah go here.

Oregon
Izaiah age 4.
To see other waiting children in Oregon go here.

Check out this darling sibling group of 3 in Colorado.
Go here to see all waiting children featured with The Adoption Exchange.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

A Sweet Read: A Future for Tomorrow


Wow!
I have been so consumed by a book that I fell asleep reading last night and woke up at 6am to start reading again.  I have been very touched by Haley Freeman's book titled "A Future for Tomorrow".  It is Haley's story of her struggle to live and heal from Anorexia.   Not only do I feel uplifted by this story but I see how I need to change my view of myself and treat my body better. 
If you want a sweet read I would suggest you get a copy of her book! 
Amazing!
Go to her blog here.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

{Creating Life} Sweet Valance & Sibling Summer Fun.

Life has been extra busy the past week as I try to recover from camping.  I love camping but I hate the unpacking, endless laundry and the cleaning that is a must afterward.    I haven't has much time to create much of anything...except laundry piles.   But I am excited to report that we finally got the carpet remnants laid out on our basement floor.  This makes the basement feel more cozy and fun for the kids to play with toys.   While not perfect it works until we get our basement finished.   So I feel like Brad and I (with a little help from our cuties) did "create" a special place for our kids and their friends to hang out...even if it isn't "finished".  :)

I am in the process of trying to decorate my girls room.  It has been a long process because my girls kept changing their minds.  So I finally put my foot down and told them I was going to do it how I wanted...but I would keep in mind their favorite colors, and styles.   So far they are happy with the changes I have been making.
My talented friend, Holly, introduced me to the idea of using tulle for a quick, easy and cheap valance.
So I took an old decorative window rod and finials and painted the wood portions white.
Purchased 10 yards of purplish tulle.
Then I had Brad hang the rod and I wrapped the tulle around the pole and played around with it a bit until I got the desired look.
While visiting my parents a couple of months ago my Mom helped my kids each make a little strand of colorful butterflies.  She got the idea and printouts here.  Once the tole was how I wanted it I tied the butterfly ribbons together and tied the ends to the end of each side of the pole and then pinned the strands in two places to create the look of butterflies fluttering around their valance.
This is the finished product.
My girls are very happy with it  so I am happy too!

As you can see I am not a photographer.  lol


Creating with Kids
Brenley has been doing some of her own creating this week.   She loves to create little fun activities for her siblings.   This week she created a fun little game.    She called it "Sibling Summer Fun: Castle Activity".   She got the idea from some old kindergarten teaching aids I had in the basement.
She copied a picture of a cute castle and then cut it out.
Once it was cut she had Haley and Camden help her color the castle.
Then she had me make slits in the windows so the windows would open.
She had 12 windows so she wrote up 12 different activities and then I typed them up for her.
She cut each idea out and folded them and placed them in each window.

She had each of them take turns pulling an activity from a window. 
This was her list of activities...
1.     Sing:  “Do as I’m Doing” 3 times so everyone gets a turn to be the leader.
2.    Meet  “The Story Fairy”  in living room for story time.
3.    Go in the  backyard and slide down the slide 5 times.
4.    Go to the Living Room and dance to fun music until the music stops.
5.    Pull  weeds for Mom  for 5 minutes.
6.    Solve this riddle…”I have wings but cannot fly”…then go and find me.
7.    Do 20 jumping jacks in the front yard.
8.    Go give Mom and hug and kiss and tell her you love her.
9.    Have a spinning contest on the front lawn.
10.    Clean the baseboards for Mom.
11.    Find Mom ….she has something to read to you.
*Note for parent:  hide from the kids so they can find you….once they find you read this scripture: 
Mosiah 2: 17 when ye are in service of fellow beings, ye are in service of God
12.    Eat Animals!  Just kidding.  Go in the kitchen and make a sugar cookie animal.

The whole castle activity took about 40 minutes and my kids loved every minute of it.
To top off this great idea  Brenley decided she wanted to make a copy of the castle and activity list and share the idea with a family in our area.   So together we decorated an empty formula can and she made her copies along with instructions that I typed up and placed them in the decorated can.  We also sent cookie dough balled up into three balls (this family had 3 kids that were old enough for the activity).  She was so excited to share her idea.


I was so happy to see Brenley share her talent with her family and with others.
It was fun to help Brenley see her creation through to the finish.
Creating seems to be catching on at our house.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Adventures in Radio/Podcast

Tomorrow I get a new experience.   I am being interviewed on an award winning radio show that is broadcast weekly.  It is called Creating a Family:  Talk about Adoption and Infertility
I am a little nervous but excited about the new opportunity.   The show tomorrow will be on "Avoiding Domestic Adoption Scams".
They welcome questions....so if you have questions you would like to ask for the show go to their site.
I hope you will come and listen.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Matching Mondays



Did you know.......
Experts estimate the annual cost of foster care in the U.S. to be approximately $40,000 per year per child.  Even when adoption subsidies are factored in, the state saves approximately $28,000 per year per child when a child in foster care is adopted.  Not only is adoption a better outcome for the children, it also reduces child welfare costs to the state.

(Facts from The Adoption Exchange)


Utah
Zackkery age 7.
Being outside is what Zackkery (who likes to be called “Zack”) loves best. He is an active little guy who enjoys playing with blocks, string, and in the water. He does really well with a consistent schedule and is very bonded to his older sister. He has also developed a great relationship with his eldest foster brother with whom he will do just about anything.

Zack is currently in the second grade where he is showing progress. He has done great with his new schedule in school, which includes a picture system. It is expected that Zack will need assistance as an adult, but he can have a great life.

Zack currently attends counseling, which will need to continue after placement.

It is necessary that Zack\'s adoptive family be supportive of contact with his sister as well as with his current foster family.

If your family is interested in this lovable little boy, we urge you to inquire. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related costs. For Utah children, only homestudied families from all states are encouraged to inquire.

Oregon

Mekiyella, Norma & Damian ages 5,4 & 2.
Meet Mekiyella, Norma, and Damian. These three, beautiful children have lived together since birth and are bonded and attached to one another. The eldest, Mekiyella, who prefers to be called Meka, is a friendly and outgoing little girl. Meka has brown hair and big brown eyes. She has a smile that can not only be seen on her face but in her eyes. Her smile melts the coldest of hearts.

Meka is a trusting child who attaches to her caregivers, easily. Meka has a tendency to trust everyone and wants to hug people and sit on their laps, whether she knows them or not. She is bonded to her current caretaker and has expressed a desire to remain in their home. She likes to play with her siblings and loves to watch TV and read books. She's a good eater and likes most foods, except ravioli and mushrooms; her favorite is mac & cheese and ramen noodles.

Norma, who is four, is also very friendly and trusting. Norma has sandy blond hair and beautiful brown eyes. Her smile lights up a room.

She, too, is bonded to her current caretakers, and like her sister, she will attach to anyone who gives her love and attention. Norma gets along well with other children and adults, and enjoys coloring and playing with puzzles. She's a talkative child who likes to stay busy and gets bored easily, but she always wears a big smile and has a pleasant disposition. She loves vegetables, especially broccoli, and she enjoys mac & cheese and ramen noodles, but she does not like corn, stuffing, or potatoes.

Damian, who is also called Ian, is also friendly, social, and talkative. Damian has blond hair and blue eyes, and a sweet, disarming smile.

His care providers say he's a typical, active little boy; a joy and a handful, like most 2-year-olds. He is bonded and attached to his sisters and current caretakers, but he is more guarded with strangers. Damian gets along well with children, adults, and animals. He loves anything to do with horses and will sit quietly for a cowboy/horse movie. Damian does not like vegetables, but will eat raw carrots. His current favorites are hot dogs, mac & cheese, and ramen noodles.

All of the children love to be read to before bedtime, and they all take about thirty minutes to get to sleep. Damian occasionally will wake from a dream in the night and usually takes a nap during the day. The girls both sleep through the night and do not take daytime naps.

These three children need a two-parent family, who will commit to them for life and provide them with a safe and structured home, where routines are predictable and loving nurturance is consistent. Meka, Norma and Damian respond well to positive discipline and on-going encouragement and praise. They need to be the youngest or only children in the family, and they need patient and kind parents who will actively engage the children in activities, support, and encourage on-going counseling to address their issues now and in the future. Parents who have good support systems for themselves and access to community resources will be preferred. All of the children will likely need counseling and educational advocacy in the foreseeable future.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Family Update


We LOVE Summer!
For the past four weeks we have been establishing our summer routine which on weekdays consists of breakfast and about one hour of tv time....it is summer after all. After breakfast is over the kids and I meet in the living room and read an article from the Friend magazine and/or scriptures, having family prayer and talk about what needs to be done for the day. The kids then go and get their chores done and actually do it with very little complaints (most days). When they are done with their chores and are dressed for the day they get to go out and play with friends for a while. On a "family only day" which we do a 1-2 times a week they go to the park together or play some board games together. Honestly...this has been wonderful!!! I feel like we connect as a family and then they seem to have a better day... for the most part the kids cooperate.

Brenley is becoming a little young woman. She has become more motherly towards Camden and Spencer and is learning more skills with cleaning, cooking and shows an incredible talent in planning and preparing activities with her siblings. She seems to have a talent with "event planning" at least on a family level. This has become a talent I really appreciate as it helps me have time to get my responsibilities taken care of and then leaves the afternoon or evening to enjoy some family fun with the kids.

Haley is a huge help with Spencer....she is the little nurturer in the family. She is a great helper! She has also become very great about taking "no" for an answer...which is a blessing! She is a good example to all of us! Haley keeps busy playing with her siblings, friends or having fun on the Wii.  She also makes a mean bowl of popcorn...and I am being totally serious! 

Camden is always busy playing with his friend next door, playing with his Geo Tracks trains or collecting bugs. We have a  problem with black widows so he has learned not to touch any spiders or black bugs. But he brings many "rolly polly" bugs in the house much to my dismay.  He also loves to catch grasshoppers...it is like a challenge for him but he is pretty good not to hurt them.

Spencer spends his day being entertained by everyone in the house and loves to watch the kids dance! Spencer started crawling last week but is still a little timid about it. He would much rather be walking but he gets stuck on his knees as he tried to climb up to furniture. He has been cutting many teeth and bites on everything he gets his hands on. Spencer is a joy and I am enjoying every moment of his "littleness". I can't believe he turns 1 next month.

Brad keeps busy with with his job and his calling in our ward. He has been ward clerk for over 3 years and loves it! Brad takes a trip to the Temple once a week on his lunch break. His service blesses not only his life but also our whole family.

Brad and I are still busy with FSA and getting ready for the National Conference at the end of July. We love serving together and feel blessed to be part of such a special group of people! I stay busy busy busy with the kids, my church callings (Cub Scout Secretary and Relief Society Music Director). I get excited over Family Home Evening each week and have learned I enjoy teaching more than I thought I did! I also have a long list of fun home decor projects that will take me all summer to get through but I am looking forward to each one.

We are all doing well and feeling very blessed to be a family! I have pondered a great deal lately....thinking about what we have gone through to get to this point and I feel a great sense of gratitude to Heavenly Father for creating our family and thankful for the trails that molded us into who we are today!

We are busy each day with being a family, running a family/home and hoping to make memories that our children will keep with them and pass along to their children.
Family really is everything!  
To see activities we have been up to the past few weeks go here.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Friday Family Fun: Camping with Goblins


Last weekend we drove down to Goblin Valley and camped for 4 days.
We hiked, drank water, slept, drank water and hiked some more.   Water or something cold to drink was a major necessity....it was incredibly hot!!!!!  By the time we were on our way home my ankles were as big as my calf muscles.....seriously...I was swollen.   We loved playing in the valley of the Goblins and just enjoying nature but we will never go to Goblin Valley in the summertime again!   Too hot and way to many nats that love to bite!  Even with "Off" spray on our skin and clothes those little buggers bit us mercilessly.
Spencer's little head looked like a dot-to-dot.

The kids had so much fun that they crashed when it came to bedtime.   Camden was asking to go to bed....I don't hear that very often.  Here are a few pictures of our Goblin Adventure!

















The day after coming home from camping we went to a Salt Lake Bees game where Brad got to throw the opening pitch.   It was so much fun and the kids were excited to meet the Bee!   Just another fun adventure because of Adoption! 
Have I said how much I love how my family was created????
I wouldn't have it any other way!

We had a very fun fill 5 days!   What a blessing to be part of a family! 
I can't wait for the next family outing!
Here is Brad's pitch.  :)

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Motherhood


I am so thankful to be a Mother.
I know it is only because of the miraculous gift from God and from another mother that I get this  tremendous opportunity to love these special people in my life.
I share Motherhood with 4 other women.  I share a bond of sisterhood and love with these women....a feeling of love that I could never really put into words or express in any way that measures up to how I feel inside about them.
I am thankful for my infertility...it is the tool the Lord used to bring about a mighty change in my heart, in my life and in my family. 
While I am still infertile I am not broken or barren in my heart....my life has great purpose and I am blessed with the ability to multiply and replenish love within my family.

I was touched by this clip this morning...I hope you will be too.
If you are not called "Mother" today...hang on a little longer.  The Lord is aware of you and your desires and He will bless you in His time which will be the perfect time for you even if it doesn't feel like it now.  I know this is true...I have been where you are and I know the pain.  I have seen the Lords hand extended and miracles created to create my family.   There will be a day when you will see that same miracle and you will look back and know the journey was worth the destination.