Crazy Fun Family

The boy's room...

2009-02-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

I didn't not like this room...but I felt we should change it to the boy's room because W is in a bottom bunk at the orphanage, and I thought it would be easier on me if she had a bed on the ground when coming home. This room is too small to have 2 beds on the ground, and H is too little to be in a top bunk yet. So we decided to make the smaller room the boy's room.

BEFORE...

AFTER...

(D sleeps on the top, and loves it. H is on the bottom now until her room is finished...I am working on it now. But L will be on the bottom when he comes home.)

BEFORE...

AFTER...

BEFORE...

AFTER...

BEFORE...

AFTER...

It turned out great! Now I just gotta get the girl's room done!

Valentine's Day...

2009-02-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

Friday I was at my kids school all day helping with the Valentine parties... D wanted his hair sprayed red. It looks more orange in the picture than it really was. My kids always want their hair different colors for special events...parties, sports, etc.

He wanted a heart...his hair is so light, it shows up so good!

His class did this game where they had to eat a cookie off fish line, it was hilarious! They also ate sundaes, did a cute craft, and shared Valentines...D of course handed out Star Wars ones.

H wore this Hello Kitty dress that grandma bought her.

Her room also ate sundaes, played games, and did a craft. She passed out Disney princess valentines.

Friday night was the Daddy daughter dance!! I was working, but moms weren't allowed to go anyways. H was so excited, all day talking about how daddy was gonna dance with her. They had a blast!!

Saturday we brought Hazel a valentine, candy, a donut, and a muffin. We visited for an hour. She was happy we came, and it was hard to leave.

100th day of school

2009-02-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday D had to bring in 100 of something to count at school to celebrate 100th day of school. He chose Lego's...(surprise, surprise...he loves Lego's)

I haven't been posting much lately, partly because I am running ragged. Partly because I promised when starting this blog, that it wouldn't be a place I'd come to bitch, and I haven't had a good attitude lately. I want about 6 more hours a day to get things done, and more income to pay these bills, cheaper health insurance, nicer weather, and good news on the adoptions.

I went to Ms. Hazel's Monday. Brought her milk, bananas, and donuts on her request. I cleaned AS FAST AS I COULD for 2 hours, while H was in preschool. Since Monday, I think about her all the time. She cried when I left, making me late to pick up H, which made H cry because I had my friend run over and get her. I don't like cleaning a very dirty house, filled with dog pee. But I have only seen Hazel twice and I feel I love her. I want to help her more, and I just don't have the time to do it. She is so lonely, 87 yrs old, lives alone, but shouldn't. She has no family, had no children...no one deserves to end their life this way. I am sure there are worse, I don't want to think about that. But Hazel is a lovely lady with a very sad lonely heart, and it's just not fair. I always think "after I get this and that done...I'll have more time for that and this" but it doesn't happen...it's always busy around here...I know I know, it will be more crazy and more busy when W comes home, then when L comes home... I just have to learn how to organize my time better, and stay off this darn computer!! LOL

What jobs have you had?

2009-02-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

H wanted a picture with her glitter shoes on...so I took some.

This is a pic from sledding on Sunday, we love this new hill we found. We actually went there again today, but I didn't bring the camera. I like the simple things in life. (and cheap fun)

I went to an older women's house today...87 year old. Her name is Hazel. Isn't that a beautiful name that you never hear? I used to clean houses, but haven't since I had my 6 yr old. Cleaning houses is the hardest work I have done...This lady has no family and she recently took a bad fall. So, I am giving up two mornings a week to go clean her house...pick up groceries for her, etc. I really do love old people and their stories of their life. I hope it all works out. Although I still need to paint the girl's room, the boys room is done. I'll post before and after pics soon. It turned out great!

So anyone out there work an unusual job? I have had nothing unusual, but here is my long list...
1. Subway
2. Denny's
3. Greenhouse
4. Chuck E Cheese
5. Wedding Banquets
6. Landscape Nursery
7. McDonald's (2 weeks)
8. Nanny (2 different families)
9. Daycare/Preschool Teacher
10. Cocktail waitress
11. Bowling Alley lane waitress
12. House cleaner
13. Gas City

Yes, I am a real career gal I know, working the jobs that take great skill (HAHA). I might have forgot a few...I worked some of these at the same time. I guess I never got bored at one thing...I did what I could to work around being a mom and not wanting someone else raising him. I brought him with me to teach preschool, cleaned houses when he was at Kindergarten, and cocktailed Friday nights. I love taking pics, working at a portrait studio is a job I would have liked. I am not gonna "tag" anyone...but feel free to blog your past occupations...which ones you liked, which ones you hated...
Gotta pass this time...missing W and L...

Do you notice.... I put a lot of.... these.... in my ....writing.....I have no idea how I picked up that habit!

Roller Rink Field Trip...

2009-02-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

My daughter had a preschool field trip to a roller rink last week. This was H's first time on skates. It was fun, and brought back memories. There was a roller rink while I was in junior high and high school and had a teen night every Friday. My friends and I used to get dropped off and hang out for a few hours without our parents there. I learned to skate pretty good back then, however didn't put skates on at the field trip in fear that I couldn't skate and hold up my daughter. I am happy to say that I think roller rinks have changed for the better since I was a teen. Back then, cigarette machines were everywhere, including the roller rink, where anyone, any age had access...and smoking was allowed inside the roller rink...there also weren't parents there, so almost no supervision... at 15-16 years old, we thought we were adults!! I know I am getting old now, when I see a 15 year old as just a "baby".

me and H...

I am glad I brought these which were purchased at a garage sale...the rental skates are so heavy for little feet!!

I am happy to see the rinks around here cleaned up a bit, no more smoking allowed, and no more cigarette machines...but snow cones still available at the snack counter...

We've been busy!

2009-01-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

We had a small kids party for D which included a lot of fun games, ice cream cones, and a donut cake...D LOVES donuts!

D wanted a blue Mohawk for his party...

And on D's real birthday he got a guitar so he can jam with his big bro...

we sang again...with these cool candles that glow in different colors...

And we went to this awesome hill to sled down since they only had 1/2 day of school...

There are so many things I want to get done before spring. Once spring is here, my kids (and I) will want to be outside, which means the things IN this house will NOT get done. And I also want to get these things done before W comes home. Here's my list...

1. Paint the girls room and put it back together.

2. Get my pictures (the last 2 years) organized and put in binders.

3. Paint and reorganize the laundry room.

4. Eliminate clutter in my bedroom.

5. Organize the kids papers, schoolwork, etc from the last year and put it in their "memory" boxes in the attic.

Not so much...but along with everyday cooking. errands, laundry, dishes, etc....it seems not much time is left for these things. I also have some reading I want to do before W comes home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY D-DOG!!!

2009-01-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

My D is 6 years old today!! D was the longest baby my doctor delivered! He came out at 23 inches long...8 pounds 10 ounces. Although blond, he came out with a full head of hair!! The nurses called him the beach baby. There were 17 babies in the nursery, and D was the only baby with blond hair! We had a hard time getting pregnant with D, and we were so happy when we found out he was conceived, and when he was born we were overwhelmed with joy! B was a happy big brother too!

6 weeks old...1 year old...

2 years old...

3 years old...4 years old...

5 years old...

NOW 6 YEARS OLD!!!

D is such a character. He has so much charm, so much imagination. He is a loving boy and growing up so fast. Happy Birthday to my little D-dog!!

News! News!

2009-01-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

L IS IN IBESR!!!! He went in Jan 16th!!
W is in MOI, and no DNA request at the birth parent interview. Now I hope W can move through MOI quickly!!

Getting ready for little D's family birthday party tomorrow, but had to share this awesome news!!

No news, no news...

2009-01-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

I am getting so impatient waiting for MOI and IBESR #s. I try to call the director and can never get through. I hate calling...I am always so nervous I will say something that will irritate her. Because I am not getting verification that the birth parent interview is done, and an MOI #, I am of course afraid that my file is not where I think it is... I am probably so worried about it since I "thought" it was where it wasn't 3 times in the last year. I try not to get excited about being in the next step, until I REALLY know it's true.
I have been working on my kids room's, trying not to think about the time passing. And although always happy to see others advance in the process, and see kids come home, it's hard to hear of others progress when your file is trailing behind where it should be.
It's so cold here that school let out early Wednesday and have had no school yesterday or today. My family is coming Sunday for my son D's 6th birthday...I have to prepare for that and work tonight, so I probably won't post til the weekend is over.

My son's Christmas party at school was postponed due to weather...but finally did happen last week

H's party...(H on the left)

And D's party...

For anyone who wants a Haiti's children reunion in Caledonia WI...

2009-01-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

We love Yogi Bear Jellystone parks, and go once a summer. There are so many fun activities for the kids, and it's great to sit around campfires, let the kids run around, and is much more lax than a hotel, where you have to sit in a restaurant for dinner, go in your separate rooms at night, etc. Last year 2008, my kids D and H were in the brochure. You can imagine their faces when I showed them the Yogi Bear brochure and they see their faces eating ice cream from the prior year (2007). The same pic was in the brochure twice. We usually go July/ August. I am hoping W is home by then! Anyone interested?

Wow does time fly...

2009-01-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how this picture appeared on my desktop...I think it is a sign for me to live NOW, to enjoy every moment because before I know it, they will be grown, out of the house, and I will be here looking at old pics wishing to have one more day with them when they were young. ...

This is my H at a few months old!! What I would give to hold her at this age for 5 minutes!!

And look at her now!!

I haven't posted in a while because I am painting...scary thing! H and D are switching rooms, and I am repainting them both...so everything is ready when W comes home. I will post before and after pics when I am done.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Not only do we celebrate the New Year with being thankful for our health, safety, and happiness we had in 2008, we also got the great news that...

W is IN MOI !!!! and L will be in IBESR next week!!!!

Now if those aren't reasons to throw confetti all over the house right after mom cleaned the house...I don't know what would be!

Also, W's birth parent interview went "fine" so I guess no DNA was requested!!

WOO HOO!!!

Notice my son ready to chug his orange pop we toasted with...(the extra kid is my son's friend)
My son D took this pic of me!
We spent the night doing 5 science experiments, the most exciting was putting vinegar in a 35 mm film container, then quickly putting in baking soda wrapped in a piece of Kleenex. Quickly put the lid on and wait a few seconds for the top to fly off making a loud noise making everyone scream!! We also made ooze (below).
B with his friend on the PC.

B just thrilled that I made him look at my camera...

Earlier in the day we played with Moon sand!!! Messy, but so much fun!! (extra kid is our neighbor who spent the night...)

Another blog I read has posted some cool things she has done to her home. I love seeing other people's homes to get ideas for my own. I thought I'd post some pics of our home for others to see. Yes, we have a small home, but we make it work. We have little storage and no closet by the door. This is a cubby that my dad and hubby built. Stairs going upstairs are to the left of this cubby and our front door is to the right.

This is my $6 bench! It also opens for storage!!

Our front room... notice the wood cabinets in this room which are filled with bins of toys...(also note the blue gun on the chair next to the door...doesn't everyone keep a gun by their front door? LOL)

We have yet to buy one of those LCD flat thin TVs. It is on our wish list, but not one of the top 5 things on our wish list...so who knows when we will actually get one...

This is a wall we opened up a couple years ago, I love that we did it!

Hopefully this year will bring good business to our company and we will be able to fix more things around this house that need it!! I am also going to start painting the boys room and girls room now that the holidays are over. I know most people have their kids rooms ready a long time ago, but I will be sure to get them done before W gets home!!

40 degrees...

2008-12-30T15:53:00.000-08:00

It was 40 degrees and sunny today. I love the sun, and hate winter. So, off we went in boots and snow pants (even though there is no snow...) and met my friend and her little girl at the park. We had fun, and got really muddy. I was upset that I forgot my camera. A smiling child in muddy pants and boots is cute, however THIS waiting to be cleaned on my laundry room floor is NOT.

It was so nice to get outside. I have been so grumpy about this adoption wait lately and I think the sunshine cheered me up a little.
After the park we went to the library where we found this children's book...
It is about a 7 yr old unnamed sister and 5 yr old brother named Max. We haven't decided for sure but Max is the #1 on our list for Loveson. Maxson was my boy name for our daughter H. Next year W will be 7 and L will be 5, so it is a book that I'd like to own one day. It is a really cute story about Max being the annoying little brother and always in the sister's way, taking her things, etc...but in the end the sister misses Max and lets him back in her room...
So, finding this book also put a smile on my face.

Spent my Christmas $...

2008-12-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

We have had these 2 toads for 4-5 months now, and they are doing well, so I chose to spend $30 of my Christmas money on a bigger nicer environment for them...and they love it, they even told me so!! (OK, so these are my son D's toads...the secret is, they really are my toads, I love toads. One of my fav childhood memories is when I got tadpoles from a neighbors run down pool they were getting rid of. I watched those tadpoles grow into toads and let them free. I also caught a large toad when I was young and tried to keep him as a pet, but he died. So, I originally had little faith in these guys, but they are doing good. We saved them both, one out of our sump-pump, the other from getting squished at my hubby's job site.) Don't you love the half coconut with a door cut in it? They love it, it somewhat reminds me of the huts you see in Haiti...

Also, I try to introduce new foods once in a while. My kids are picky eaters and do not like many veggies, but when I got these for them to try, a pomegranate and sugar snap peas, my son D says "Mom, where did you get these, are they American foods?" I couldn't help but laugh!!

D liked the pomegranate, H liked the sugar snap peas, B didn't care for neither.

Christmas from Haiti...

2008-12-27T19:09:00.001-08:00

Pictures of W and L in Haiti!!

(Don't you love that shirt?)

I miss them!!

2008-12-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

We had a good Christmas...here are the kids with some of their presents...

H likes Polly pockets...

and baby dolls... (H also has not been liking shirts lately :-)
and she loves her Click Start!!

D got Star Wars Lego's and a helmet...

and pirate ship...

and B opened an acoustic guitar from Santa and a video/camera from my parents...

(he likes his gifts...just doesn't like smiling for pictures.)

I've been tagged!

2008-12-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

I've Been Tagged
Here the rules to receiving this award:You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous bloggers in a post.
You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.
You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.
On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.
I was tagged by Sarah @ getznelson.blogspot.com
She is adopting a cute boy from the same orphanage W and L are at. Although Sarah lives in another state than us, I feel she is a friend. Sometimes only others along side you in the process of adopting can really understand the emotions we go through. I am glad Sarah is my friend. I can always count on her for support, or to just listen to me vent.
This is what she wrote about me: A, she is another adoptive mom, with a cute family and a big heart.
Ok so five things I am addicted too:
1. Coffee...I know others are saying this, but it's true. I love my morning cup, and I usually only have one...sometimes two. But I never drink it after noonish. If I don't drink my coffee, I get migraines, and crabby...and then i realize how addicted I really am!!
2. Sunshine...I NEED sunshine. Sunshine makes me happy. I really think I am one of those people who could really benefit from a face lamp in the winter. In the winter I get grumpy and dream about those long lost summer days.
3. Kissing my kids...they will all tell you I kiss them too much. I could kiss them all day and never get enough. The older they get the less kisses they want, the less cuddling they will allow, and I am gonna get as much as I can now!!
4. Computer of course...for adoption related issues. It really becomes a compulsive disorder that I have acquired. From info on my files, to pictures, to being there for others on the adoption group, to weather in Haiti, to news going on in Haiti, etc...it's very easy to let it consume your life.
5. Feeling guilty...I always think I could do better in many aspects of my life. I am always thinking of ways to make my kids lives more fun, more simplified, more organized, more educational activities, more quality time together. I just want to raise them the best I can. There just isn't enough time in a day to do all I want with my kids, and I am sure when W and L come home, this will just intensify!!

Oh, and Sarah...I do the same thing with the TV, I laughed when I read your 5th addiction. I never watch TV...but when I go to sleep, my hubby is usually already asleep, and the house is quite...so I turn on the TV, roll over and go to sleep...I don't even care what channel it's on!

Our Christmas letter...

2008-12-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

(I included some pics from on the letter that i mailed out to a few close friends and relatives.)

The A’s had another busy year in 2008!

B is 13 now, yes, that’s right, I am now mother of a teenager! B is taking guitar lessons and still bowling. He also loves to draw. He is on the computer, watching TV, playing video games, and hanging out with friends.

D is in Kindergarten. He played T-ball and soccer this year. He prefers soccer. In the spring he started riding a two-wheeler bike like he already knew how. It was nice not having to run behind him holding on to the seat, promising not to let go…for days and days. D loves Star Wars and Lego's. D likes to draw, swim, and play video games. D also had a few friends come for sleepovers which he thinks is the coolest thing ever.

H has started preschool! Although she is very independent at home, she is very shy at school. H also played soccer this year. She is only 3 and not old enough to play soccer here in town. So she played for M (the next town over) like D did last year. She loves riding her big bike (with training wheels). H loves to swim, color, ride horses, care for her baby dolls and watch Shrek.

We made a trip to Ohio for my brother D’s wedding. It was a great time! I am glad to see K join our family. We also had fun playing ghosts in the graveyard and having fires in our backyard making smores. We also went to the County Fair like every year.

This year we had a foreign exchange student for one month during the summer. Kazuki is a 12-year-old soccer player from Japan. It was a great experience. We took him camping, fishing, downtown Chicago on the train, a boat ride down Chicago river, Millennium Park to see the bean, miniature golfing, bowling, go-carting, a Chicago Fire soccer game, to West Beach, Brookfield zoo, and had a lot of fun hanging out here…baseball, riding bikes, fishing down the street, swimming in our pool. Thanks to my mom for helping out and paying for some of these fun days!!

In March we heard from the orphanage in Haiti that W’s brother had moved into the orphanage. We had only a couple days to decide if we wanted to also adopt him, keeping these two siblings together. After discussing that we didn’t have the money for his adoption, we decided yes…that YES we would also adopt little L. The money is not all paid at once and we will figure it out somehow. How could we not? In April my mother and I went to Haiti. My mother met W for the first time, and we both met L for the first time. We just can’t wait to get these kids home!! W just turned 6 and L 4.

A’s Home Improvements has D (hubby) working, but it is slowing down. I am down to only watching one little girl part time, but am back working Friday and Saturday nights at ******. I have also recently started a blog for our family. It’s an easier way to scrap booking. Each year you can get your blog printed and bound. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to journal your everyday life. So, if you ever want to pop in and see what we are up to…it’s www.crazyfunfamilyofseven.blogspot.com ! We hope you all have safe and happy holidays. With Love, ********************

My dad took the kids "Christmas pics"...

We had an awesome day...

2008-12-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

Winter Wonderland at Navy Pier Chicago...
This place is a blast! We have a tradition of taking the kids out of school, spending money we don't have and going to this awesome place every year. It's always the best spent money, and we have been going since my 13 year old was 3 years old.

This is the Haiti tree there...

D and Dad...

Me and H...
they have several carnival rides...

And we all went ice skating...

H is starting to LOVE posing for pictures...
This is H's first time on the ice!

They had a miniature Ferris wheel, I have never seen one like this before, it was H and D's favorite ride...

Then they wanted to go on the BIG one...Dad's turn!! (Mom doesn't do heights!)

Again, B thinks he is too old for pics with Santa... and is at that age when they don't like their picture taken period.

Between the rides, those big blow up slides/bounce houses/ obstacle courses, ice skating, a magic show, staff walking around in fun costumes, the trees from all countries, Santa, it was a fun fun day.

As you can see I am a picture person. I am not much of a writer and believe that a picture says a thousand words. I have a ton more pictures of this day, and it was hard to decide what to put on my blog...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY W!!!

2008-12-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

Our girl in Haiti is 6 today!!!

There is a group in Haiti right now having a Christmas party for all the kids. I hope they are all having a good time. I miss you W !!

My daughter's preschool fieldtrip...

2008-12-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

It was a long day, but fun! We took a school bus from the school to the train station, then a train to the city to see Santa!

H with her friend J on the bus...

on the train...
Oh no, it's our turn to see Santa (notice the nail biting)...

Not willing to sit on his lap, but will stand close for a pic...still biting...

OK mom...one quick smile! (still biting)...

Away from Santa...

me and H by a fountain there...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-12-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

OUR LITTLE GUY IN HAITI IS 4 TODAY!!!

And our girl will have a birthday Monday! We sent these fun filled homemade gift bags with a group who will be there for both their birthdays.

On the bottom of the pic are 2 plastic mirrors with their name on each one. They love to look at themselves...Thanks to my dad, he cut a large safe plastic mirror into some little ones. I love sending them these, I know they really get a kick out of watching themselves in the mirrors!

When I told my kids it is L's birthday today, my son D ran to get a piece of paper...I thought to make him a card because that is what he does for every one's birthday, but he said, "no, I am making a chart so we can mark off each day until he gets here..." (that's what I did when I went to Haiti...they crossed off each day counting down til I would be back) Then he proceeds..."How many days til he gets here?" HA...I just couldn't help but laugh...and then cry at the fact that he isn't even in IBESR yet...which disgusts me.

D's Christmas program tonight!!

2008-12-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

My hubby, 3 kids, me and my parents all went to D's Christmas program tonight. It's so exciting to watch them sing their songs...and they really had a fun time. All the kids were proud they did such a good job. They feel important watching us get ready for a special night on their behalf, Grandma and Grandpa come, and that's always special to them. And these are their 1st experiences being on stage with bright lights and a lot of people watching. I think it's good for them all around.

That's little D smiling at the camera...and yes, he has black converse on...and although looked cute, it wasn't planned...mom put off trying on the old dress shoes til it was time to....go. And well, not only a little snug, but unbearably too small for him. They sang 3 cute Christmas songs and Santa surprised all the kids by coming on stage for a quick hello.

Grandma and D...

D's class...

H with our neighbor A (adopted from China, her mom gave me the confidence that adoption was possible for us, and not as out of reach as I previously thought)

Then we came back to my house for powdered donuts (D's favorite) and coffee cake.

The complaining tag team...

2008-12-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

Yeah...I think we should start one...really....it's almost Christmas and I think beyond the usual complaints of waiting for our children from Haiti, comes a sadness, that yet another time to celebrate, and they're not here to celebrate with us. A couple other mom's from the orphanage have been having a hard time with the waiting, and so have I. We committed to our daughter in March 2007, and we had then thought she'd be home this Christmas...and she's not even IN MOI yet. And our little guy who we committed to in March 2008 is not even in IBESR yet!!! Yeah...9 months and not in IBESR!! It's hard for me to feel no control in this situation. Sometimes I think I am crazy, that I dreamed them up, dreamed my trips to Haiti, etc. Updated pics of them (which are few and far between what they used to be now that the orphanage moved and now have a new visiting schedule) are what keeps my brain assured that I am not crazy...that they really do exist. Getting frequent pics, you notice small changes...then when it was several months between pics, it looked like she was a whole year older! I feel so discouraged lately, like others are feeling. I know others situations are worse than mine...but the ups and downs like a roller coaster are really taking years off my life...

OUR DAUGHTER WHEN WE COMMITTED TO HER...MARCH 2007

Painting nails...

2008-12-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

All the little girls I know, including my daughter H and the little girl C who I watch...love to paint nails...

Even if you gotta put some back into it...

my mom, dad, brother, and sis-in-law

2008-12-09T13:49:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

crazyfunfamilyofseven

2008-12-09T13:06:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

crazyfunfamilyofseven

2008-12-09T12:19:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

crazyfunfamilyofseven

2008-12-09T11:27:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

D can be such a sweetheart!!

2008-12-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

D and H have a love-hate relationship...all my kids do. It's either fighting or loving...nothing in between. I was so proud of D for what he did yesterday. He came home from school with a hard earned prize from his teacher's prize box....and instead of picking a prize for himself, he picked one for his sister. WOW! D was also proud of himself when he saw how happy his sister and I were for what he had done. My biggest wish is that I can raise my children properly, and I can really beat myself up over things I do wrong as a parent...so when things like this happen, it makes me feel I am doing something right :-)

COOKIES!!!

2008-12-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

We made cookies!! But can't find the Christmas cookie cutters :-(

But they turned out delicious, colorful, and the kids had a blast!

L (over to play)

C ( I watch her)

H made a cookie as big as her head!

And loaded it with sprinkles!

Fun weekend...

2008-12-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to my Aunts Christmas party. WOW was this an awesome party!! As you can see below...Santa came giving each child a present, then they made gingerbread houses.

H wants to sit on Santa, but once she gets close to him...she changes her mind!!

D however....they didn't have to call his name twice!!
B was not happy to have to go up to see Santa...as you can see, he has a "why did you make me come up here?" look at my camera!! He gets shy in front of a group of people.

B, D, and H by our tree at home...

Fluffy is also enjoying our Christmas tree!

H and D totally love their present from Santa!! I highly recommend this toy for any child 3-6 yrs old!! It is an animal hospital with vet tools, 6 kennel cages, and a big key ring. You match the color of the key to the color of the door to open. They just love it!

Torn...

2008-12-05T08:56:00.001-08:00

Do you ever feel torn by what you feel is right, and the way society is? I mean, I am not a homeschooling mama, although totally see the pros to being one. The things my kids learn in school, the materialistic things all the other kids get, the foods other kids eat, and the fact that I miss them like crazy TOTALLY make me want to home school....but I do see the pros in going to school also. I would love to live on an island with others who want to raise their kids the same as I would like mine raised. I want them to go to school, to have great social skills, as I feel in this world it is one of the most important things to have...I like them to do all the fun things they do at school, parties, gym, music, art, games. But most of all I want them to know that this huge world does not revolve around them, like it does at home. I think if they don't learn this at an early age, it just gets more difficult for them. I know a few home school mama's who's kids are in public schools now, once they noticed their oldest struggling socially...not feeling like they fit in with the norm. I want to protect my children from the negatives of a public school, but want them to enjoy and benefit from the positives...We live in a very good neighborhood with good schools, but my kids still want to know why so and so gets this and that, why so and so gets all junk food in their lunch, not to mention the not so nice words they learn. But they learn also, that life is not fair, that there will always be kids with more, and kids with less. BUT I do feel we have to at least provide half of what the "Joneses" family has in order for my kids to not be total "dorks" or outcasts....and I struggle between what I believe is right and what to "give in" to for the soul reason of them fitting in this society. I think kids are being raised TOTALLY wrong. I don't want to raise my kids this way, but if this is the world they have to grow up in...I want them to fit in, I don't want them to be outcasts. I stress being themselves, that everyone is different, that they must stand strong in what they believe, and not let society influence them. But in reality...they have to grow up in this world. I am not considering home schooling, at this point, especially since my oldest is a 7th grader, and well, you know that game "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?"...well, I'm not. My kids also do love school. But I just struggle with the way kids are being raised and the way I want to raise mine. More on this later...

Yesterday...

2008-12-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

A little girl L came over for a play date. I also used to watch L until her mom decided to stay home and no longer work outside the house. She missed us and we missed her, so she came for a play date. We played a couple games, made a couple crafts, and made popcorn to watch Mr. Grinch. She had so much fun that she was wanting to come over again today...so she is! Then my little A and her baby brother came over again last night for a few hours to visit...I feel so flattered when kids I watched still want to come here when they don't have to!

Snow is on the ground...

2008-12-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

We played in the snow Monday, the first time this year. I have to say, that I do not get excited over snow. I love seeing the kids excitement and I force myself to build snowmen, go sledding, and of course snowball fights. I don't think anything is more fun when your 13 than being allowed to throw balls of snow at your parents...But I HATE the COLD. The older I get, the less I can tolerate it. But the kids really do love it!

But as you can see, B hates his picture taken...

Finally got one...(not showing the other hundred I took while trying)

A little girl I watch with H...

H with squinty eyes...

H after telling her to keep her eyes OPEN...

My D cooperates most for pictures...

I can't help but post some pictures from summer...boy do I MISS summer!!

Camping at Yogi Bear Jellystone Park...

(the boys with our foreign exchange student)

Daddy and H by the campfire...

D was SO EXCITED when he won candy bar BINGO...

AT THE BEACH...

(me and H)

D was so proud he could pull this heavy log by himself...

Why B let his little bro D be in this position...I'll never know...

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2008-12-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

My mother turned a year older over the weekend. Words cannot express the way I feel about my mother. She has many qualities that I admire. She is always helping me, encouraging me, and listening to me. She has been so supportive of our adoption in every way. She is so caring of people less fortunate than us, and loves all children. I am so proud she is my mother, and my kids are so lucky to have her as a grandma. She's not only my mother, but also my best friend. I love you mom, happy birthday!

Busy busy long weekend...

2008-12-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! D and H sang songs...I wish I could figure out how to put a video on here....

After eating...we all appeared overly stuffed...

(my sister-in-law, brother, me and D)

Went to see Santa at a Village Christmas event...

B thinks he is too old and too cool to sit on Santa's lap...and although H was so excited, she freaked out last minute and wouldn't go near him...so D was the only one ending up on Santa's lap...

We took out our Christmas boxes, and D insisted on sleeping with all his "new" friends...

Waiting for the bus this morning was no fun...it's just too cold out there for me!

We had a fun busy weekend, and I didn't have much time to post!

Not much to say...

2008-11-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

Today we spent 4 hours driving to and from my sister's house to visit. She is really only an hour away, but traffic on the way home was HORRIBLE!! I forgot my camera, so have no pics to post...but we did have fun. My sister has girls 1 yr and almost 4 yrs old. We usually see each at my mom's house, so I only go to her house a few times a year.
Tomorrow we will be visiting at my mom's and mother-in-laws. It will be a busy and fun day. I will also remind myself like I do everyday of the blessings that I have in my life. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

After dinner...

2008-11-24T13:53:00.001-08:00

since we can no longer play outside...since it is dark and freezing,

we usually find some kind of way to burn off energy in the house..

like indoor volleyball, using a beach ball, and a tunnel for the net...

B's party

2008-11-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

B wanted to celebrate with some friends, cosmic bowling!

Isn't it bad luck to light your own candles?

Maintenance day...

2008-11-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

My hubby is doing a few things off of his "Honey To Do List" and when I walked upstairs and saw this buttocks sticking out and my camera at arms reach, I couldn't resist...especially when it reminded me of Sarah's post a while back with her hubby's buttocks in the air...

So, who wants to join the postings of their hubby's buttocks?

(by the way, he is putting a cable line through that wall for a TV on the other side of that wall...in case you are wondering why he's behind the fridge...)

Ornaments already?

2008-11-21T11:57:00.001-08:00

Yes! H and I made a princess/snowgirl/smores ornament today! H loves crafts!

My boy was shaking in his boots...

2008-11-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

I agree with those of you who will roll your eyes, but for my son's birthday last night we surprised him as we pulled up to a Verizon Wireless store. He has wanted a cell phone for a couple years, and I don't know about other parts of the country, but here...all the kids have them. My son is a boy and not a huge talker, but it is a gadget, and boy does he love gadgets. I have never received so many thank yous from him, he was shaking he was so excited. Then to top it off, Grandma gave him a PSP, another gadget...he is still on cloud nine and said this was his BEST birthday ever! Well, you only turn a "teenager" once, so we had to make it a good one! Now he needs to show how responsible he will be with it, and do some chores around here to help pay the monthly bill!

My little A came to visit today!

2008-11-20T20:14:00.000-08:00

And she brought her new brother T !! This is the little girl (almost 2 yrs old) I have watched since 5 weeks old...her mom just had a baby boy 2 weeks ago, so she has been at home with mama. We miss her, and she misses us, so they came over for lunch. It's so weird that I feel mine were never that small...but they were. If not adopting, my hubby would be on the way for a reversal. I am a baby lover, always have been, always will be. It was so nice to spend time with them. They really are two good ones...I thought only one easy child per family?

Mom is going to try to stay home now if finances allow it, but they live close so we will see them often.

A's shirt is wet from playing with the barbie pool with my daughter H.

Happy Birthday B !!

2008-11-19T07:54:00.000-08:00

My little boy is a TEENAGER!!!

Thirteen years ago, I had my first child! Time does fly!!

B is a very special child of mine, since it was just the two of us for the first few years of his life, I feel like there is a special bond.

I had more fun with B than any one single person in my life.

We did everything together, from trips to the zoo, Wisconsin Dells, museums, trips to Chicago, we just did so many things when he was a little boy,

and boy did we have fun!

I feel in a way I was still a child then, at 18 years old...

I had more energy and freedom to do all those fun things.

As B gets older, the kisses get wiped off and the hugs get shrugged off, it's sad to know he already has little memory of those fun days just the two of us, but I will always remember those fun special times.

It's fun to watch them grow, but sad that it happens so fast...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my special B,

I hope you always know how much you mean to me!

Thanks Grandma!

2008-11-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

H loves her new dress!!

Missing my kids in Haiti!

2008-11-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

This is the 1st pic I saw of W, Nov 2006...

two years ago (almost 4 yrs old)

This is W now...almost 6!

These are the 1st pics I saw of L back in March 2008

These are new pics, look how much they have grown!!

L is behind the boy with the ball...

L is in the right corner...

L is in the front with blue and white shirt,

W is the third child from right side.

I love this pic of W...

A "new" doctor...

2008-11-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

I brought my sick son to the doc last week and we saw a new doc in the office since our usual one had no openings that morning. When the "new" doc walked in, she was a beautiful young black women with dark skin, pretty hair, and an accent. She had Haitian features, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I never did tell her about our adoption, or ask "where" she is from, but was so excited that she is a doctor W can see when she gets here. I know there will be many trips to that office, and I think W seeing a Haitian looking female doc rather than a strange looking old white man will be more comforting to her. I know, I get excited over the small things...

When mom is creating a blog...

2008-11-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

D and H went to the body art shop...

and then decided to search the snow topped lake for some lost golf balls!!

Introducing...

2008-11-15T12:06:00.001-08:00

Our 5 beautiful children...

Our 3 yr old daughter H...

Our sons D (5 yr old) and B (13 yr old, in a few days)

Our 5 yr old daughter W in Haiti...

Our 3 yr old son L in Haiti...

Our pets...

Fluffy our Guinea pig...

Our pet toads...

Welcome!

2008-11-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to blog for over a year and am finally going to try this! I am not a good writer, but love talking about my family, reading about other families, and love the idea of printing this each year and having a "diary" of our family life for my children to read in the future! Welcome to my blog!