My Glow Stick Dancers

May they always dance fearlessly!

My husband and I had an argument about our two boys doing a dance routine at the talent show. The first time he went to a talent show for my eldest son, he heard some kids make fun of him. So, he flat out refused to go if they performed. I know in his own way that he was worried about how he would react to the bullying if there was any mean comments. I choose to yell out yeah Jack and Garrett when they announced their names so that the students around me would be aware that his parents were close by. Everyone was great and I even heard people yell out their names in encouragement.

A lady next to me even started clapping getting the audience going when they were laughing at this boy who had an okay voice.Everyone followed her lead. One person made a difference and in the end he actually received the most cheers.

Many times I look at the comments posted on pictures and videos and I want to literally cry. Why do we call  each other ugly, stupid, and worthless?

The talent show reminded me that we all have the ability to make things positive. I am proud of my boys and that they tried for something and followed through.

 

Fingerprinted today, felt like a criminal it was weird! Now, on my way to the gym, to get healthier for you and my boys! If I'm going to adopt at this age, I better be healthy for you! And God please make sure that I am figuring out the child you want me to have! I am impatient but don't want to miss the signs.


Thanks Lord

And it begins....

And the paper chase begins....
drum roll....
pen and paper
nope
I need the typed one instead that the caseworker brought up!
Writing is too sloppy!
Can I be a super mom and get that paperwork done in a flash so I can meet you even faster?


Hope So!
(I am probably so naive)

A find at a consignment shop....doesn't it seem like things happen for a reason! A write in daughter's book:)

Today I was weeding out my house, taking all the winter things down, and adding some Easter bunnies along with some flowery items and it felt so GOOD! After a long Michigan winter, it is definitely time to shed some layers. I really miss seeing all the people in my quiet neighborhood walking their dogs, teens playing basketball, and little kids pedaling furiously on their just newly learned skill of riding a bike. We had so much snow and school days off that we really had the time to connect together in the house...laying around, using way too much technology, and appreciating being together.


Along with this change has been the addition of Tiago, our second exchange student from Brazil. H, our other exchange student (nobody, and I mean nobody can correctly say his name) is from Korea. It was a smart idea to get another exchange student because they have that being an exchange student in another country together in common. Tiago has been such a joy because he is such a gracious and polite young man who really understands my special needs son as he has a brother who is paralyzed and has learning disabilities. He is so patient with my son! I told his mom on Facebook that she had raised a kind and considerate son!

H has been very interesting to have around. I can distinctly remember walking around my neighborhood and saying hello to a new neighbor and welcoming them to our neighborhood. I had to laugh as he said in Korea they don't make small talk or talk to people they really don't know. I laughed as I told him that I must be very, very rude. H is a very private person but it has been a joy to see him loosen him up. The other day my son told me that H had poked his head out the truck window and had been making silly comments to some students walking outside, not mean just funny. For me, that was a huge development for H letting loose. He often reminds me of Long Duck Dong in Sixteen Candles.

The other day we had a very serious discussion about being gay. He had mentioned that in Korea there isn't gays. He asked me them if I respect them. I told him how many of my students have brought up the fact to me that they are gay. Then I told him how hard it must be for them to be a certain way all their life and not be accepted for who they are. I distinctly remember a boy telling me that he had known as early as Kindergarten that he was attracted to males. After how cruel and hateful people are to be gay, I asked him do you think they would choose to be that way if they could? Yes, maybe some would, but the simple fact I do not think it is easy for a person to be gay. I told him that I feel it is God's job to judge not mine. He seemed to think about that so hopefully, I am teaching him to consider all sides.I grew up very religious and I understand everyone's beliefs. But, in my eyes we are all God's Children.!

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Like I said, I have been talking adoption forever but now am finally doing something about it. But for the last six months, I have been checking the MARE adoption website because I noticed this 14 year old girl who reminded me of a mini me...dirty brown hair, green eyes, and dorky glasses. The thing that really got to me about this girl was what she said when they asked her what she was looking for her in a family. She lowered her pained look to the ground as she whispered, "Just someone to accept me as I am." It nabbed me in the gut how this teenage girl was not asking for things like most teens, but instead mere acceptance someone to love her for who she is. So, basically, when I checked the website today my heart dropped when I saw she had been matched. Amanda who absolutely loves books and Harry Potter. In the back of my mind I think I was hoping she would still be available when our home study was completed. I am happy for her to have found someone but there was just something about her that I felt a connection to.


Tuesday is my orientation meeting and we have our last class coming up March 22. I am so excited and nervous about all the big decisions...foster to adopt, young or older, out of state in state, and again, nervous about all the horror stories online. I want to be smart and make the best situation for my children, husband, and the child. Pray for me as I make these decisions.

And, Amanda, I pray that your new family gives you that acceptance you deserve!

My Little Girl

Ever since I was a little girl, and I mean little, it was stuck in my head that I was going to adopt...go to another country, do mission work, and in the process adopt. Let's just say life happened and now that I'm in my latter part of my life I have decided to add a little girl to the mix of my three boys, two exchange students, two labs, and of course my lovely husband. Although the process is still new, I can barely contain how excited I am to have 4 classes out of way, one more to go, and an orientation meeting scheduled for March 11th. I've been saying it forever, checked out about every other website, every agency, every option from international to infant, and have finally opted for foster care in the United States. Yet, there I am checking the profiles on Adopt US Kids even though I know it's too early yet. AND IT's FOR REAL THIS TIME!

But, what the biggest issue is:

My gain is a huge loss for them as they get new parents not their biological parents. And even though they are in foster care for a reason they will always love their parents. So, it's not a clear cut joy knowing that they will have that natural sorrow that comes with adoption.


My biggest hope for my future daughter is that she will have a secure life, make her dreams come true, and have the chance to be in a home where there is love and calmness.

For my boys, I hope they learn to love their sister and understand how lucky they are.

For my husband, to know how much I APPRECIATE HIM FOLLOWING MY dreams!

And most of all, to God for everything. Thanks for blessing me every day!