And just a little humor while you wait...

WOMEN WHO KNOW THEIR PLACE


Barbara Walters, of 20/20, did a story on gender roles in Kabul ,
Afghanistan , several years before the Afghan conflict.
She noted that women customarily walked 5 paces behind their husbands.
She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk
behind their husbands. Despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban
regime, the women now seem to, and are happy to, maintain the old
custom.

Ms. Walters approached one of the Afghani women and asked, 'Why do
you now seem happy with an old custom that you once tried so
desperately to change?'
The woman looked Ms. Walters straight in the eyes, and without
hesitation said, 'Land Mines'.

The Moral of the Story:

No matter what language you may speak or wherever you may go,



BEHIND EVERY MAN, THERE'S A SMART WOMAN
 
This special post was for my husband who I am eternally grateful to for his support and love. And for giving me space to grow and have a little adventure without him. I miss you my love.

Self care

I think I am almost ready to go. I keep remembering random things that I might have not done. I am not totally sure that I didn't or did certain things and I keep having to make phone calls. I guess I would call this anxiety about leaving my kids and family for a week.

Its all about self care.

And for me... I am hoping to find some answers as how not to feel so much resentment. I am like a ball of bundled up resentment. (I think you all know who and what I am talking about without having to go into much details!)

I have done a fairly good job at rising above my emotions and I know that I am going to face some this week being away with so many other women who are facing similar challenges head on. I think that is going to be very good and very therapeutic for me!

Well I better get the car loaded. (Or get my hubby to get the car loaded. LOL)

I will try to post a few blogs from my phone on the road... or actually there might be a computer where I am staying.

xoxoxo

I would never

I would never take a Friday afternoon nap with my husband, Jude, Izzy and our dog Charlotte on this wicked rainy day.

I would never sit on my computer, mess of paperwork around me, ignoring all my family, while I blog and get my caffeine on- popping pieces of salted caramel chocolate. Have you tried this one, its seriously GOOD.

I would never wait till the last minute to pack for my trip to Orlando for ETAAM.

I would never ever plan to go to Disneyworld with my friends for the first ever Disneyworld 24 hour LEAP YEAR "One more day of Disney" party. My friends would never be the kind of people with Disney points earning credit cards where they can get things like free money to spend at Disneyworld. I don't know any fabulous women who would do things like that! So childish! And to go to Disney without my family... huh? Why would I EVER want to do that? Arrive in Florida at 6am (leap day) and head to Disney? I would NEVER have the energy for that.

I would never spend time on a secret messaging group where the other 90 women chat who are going to the retreat. I would never spend time there laughing, crying, smiling with them all- so excited to be around so many other Moms who totally get the CRAP that I have been through and the STUFF that we deal with on a daily basis.

I would never have to pinch myself and ask myself "is this really my life"? And mean it in a good way. In the kind of way that when things are so right, and things are so good, its brilliant and settled. And the level of blessed is unreal.

I would never put off putting away clothes for an entire week.

I would never lose sleep because of the sheer excitement of having a week with my Mommy friends and feeling excitement about seeing so many that I love and adore. Oh my. Sleepless nights for all the right reasons! Never me!

I would never be sure to get in "just another 100 miles" before leaving on my trip. (600 miles baby!!!)

I would never plan a secret surprise thing to do for my girls (Grace and Izzy) while in Florida. (A little something to thank Grace for going to help out, missing soccer games and her boyfriend/friends, missing school while she has straight A's all to be sure her Momma and the other Moms can have time together without izzy- but so that Izzy can still have her Mama Babas.) Secret surprises planned by me? NO NEVER!

I would never look at the weather report twice a day for next week in Orlando and take note of how many "over 80" days are going to be happening. I would never do that with this lovely Pacific Northwest weather we are having! (Cold, rainy, miserable.)

I would never ask Leishan to be sure to spend overtime at home helping out with things. And I would never tell my husband not to start bothering work about getting back out on the job until after ETAAM. Although we might need the money- if he weren't home- taking off for a week just wouldn't be possible. I would never be so thankful to Lei and my honey Robert. Never!

And of course I will be sure to never come back from this trip and tell you all how much it meant to me, how much you missed out, and how you should be sure NOT to go on it next year with ME again. :)

Oh my goodness. Never have I been so excited. Not me! I would never!

MeMe

My (real life) friend Laurel tagged me in a meme.

Rules of the Meme…


1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about herself on her blog. (Answer the 11 questions the "tagger" listed for you.)

3. Each person must create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. Each person must choose 11 people to tag and link to them in the post. (Go to each blogger’s page and mention that you have tagged them.)
 
 
1. What is your Favorite Dessert?
This really depends and is probably the hardest question of the 11 to answer for me. Guess you can see where my priorities lie?
I like the following: Strawberry shortcake, Dove milk chocolates, Salted caramels (and the ice cream too), peanut butter and chocolate ice cream.



2. What is your Favorite Book (not the Bible)? Why?
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
I have lots of fond childhood memories of my parents reading me the poems from this book and I spent a great deal of time memorizing them- that's how much I loved them.


3. What is your Favorite Book of the Bible? Why?
Psalms
I find it very inspiring and I feel that I find answers there.
And I do love my poetry- especially when its so comforting.

4. When did you give your life to the Lord?
The Lord has always been a part of my life. But as an adult I would say that I truly gave myself to the Lord after 911. I think it was the time that my husband and I realized we had something HUGE missing from our lives. Our spiritual lives were casual and unfulfilled. Our commitment was luke warm.


5. What is your Favorite Childhood Memory?
I loved family vacations and spending time in New Hampshire with my cousins. Being on my grandparents farm. My parents really talking to me about life and sharing things about thier lives. Being involved in the theatre as a child. My parents giving me the space to explore and get my hands dirty.


6. What is your Worst Childhood Memory?
When my parents divorced. I was age 7. It was ugly. There was a lot of fighting and yelling behind closed doors. I desperately wanted them to get back together most of my childhood. (Which now I see- would have been a nightmare.)


7. What Character Traits make your Best Friend your Best Friend?
What character traits doesn't my buddy have?
Calm.Compassionate.Honest. She always remains calm. She is always compassionate. She is always honest. (Even when its hard to be honest, even when its something I don't want to hear, she always says it like it is.) She makes me slow down and really think about things when I need to.

Funny.Outgoing.Brilliant
She is smart as can be. Hilarious and so much fun to be around. And outgoing to boot. Who could ask for anything more?

Faithful.
She is not a fair weather friend. She would never back stab me or blow me off once she makes a commitment to me. She is realiable. She genuinely cares about my happiness and well being. She forgives my flaws.

Balanced. Self Sacrificing. Good ethics and morals.
Need I say more? :)
8. What do you see as Your Most Important Character Trait or Virtue?
Just one?
I would say honesty. Honesty with yourself and with others.


9. What person in the Bible do you most relate to?
Mary Magdalene. For the forgiveness that she recieved and the love that she gave.

10. What Scripture Verse do you cling to in times of trouble?
Psalm 107
A dear friend prayed this with me for Jude when we were trying to get him medical care.
It will always have a special meaning to me and the message sits right next to my computer.
I cling to it daily!


11. List the 5 Top Defining Moments of your life.
 
1. Growing up with divorced parents and having indiviual relationships with both those parents (I know thats bigger than a moment- but its SO defining. Both of my parents are very different but both gave me so much of what/whom I am today.)
 
2. Living in Australia away from family for a year of high school, and again at Americorps NCCC for a year of college. Both were fundamental times of people and events that molded me.
 
3. Giving birth to Grace in college- becoming a single Mom.
 
4. Becoming a foster Mom, meeting my husband, becoming a step Mom to four children- all in the same year
 
5. Going to Haiti for the first time and bringing Angelina home.
 
That was HARD Laurel- you have tough questions!!
 
I want to TAG YOU!
If you (blog readers and friends) are bloggers too- would you mind participating in this MeME? Can you leave me a comment and link me to your blog. Then we can all read each others and won't that be fun?? Come on- participate!!
 
Here are my 11 questions for you!
 
1. Whats your favorite item? (Pc. of clothing? Special childhood momento? etc.)
 
2. Who inspires you the most?
 
3. The number one thing on your "bucket list"?
 
4. What's your favorite movie?
 
5. Whats the one thing that your spouse/partner/child does that irritates you?
 
6. Your lowest low in life...
 
7. Your highest high in life...
 
8. One thing you love about yourself.
 
9. Are you honest with other people even if it hurts their feelings? Why or why not?
 
10. Do you have any regrets in life?
 
11. Your dream date... do tell!

Almost Human

I almost feel human again.
Its been a long week of being sick. I have the kind of cough that once you start coughing you can't stop and end up sounding like you choking. Its not a good time.
Today I managed to get to the gym. Which at the very least made me feel more emotionally stable. I didn't have a coughing fit until I left the gym so I avoided embarrassment in that department.

The kids all have a "winter break" four day weekend. We didn't plan anything exciting and I am regretting that big time. I always want things to be fun for the kids- and for me too. Keeping everyone happy and entertained is the best way to avoid drama. That's my theory anyhow.

Izzy is practically running with her baby toy she can hold and push. She refuses to take a step though on her own. I know its coming! She still has a runny nose and cough too, poor honey.

Today Angeline and Isaac had TWO birthday parties to go too. They are definitely hitting the big time in the friends department. I am happy for them both.

I belong to a local "barter" group. Its been really fun! I traded a table for some custom handmade baby items for a gift and some handmade pants for Izzy. (She has long legs and tiny waist and its hard to get pants that fit!) I traded Jude's old crib for two massage gift certificates from a LMP. (One for me, one for my hubby- Happy Valentines Day to us!) Once I feel better we are definitely going to "cash" those in! You should consider joining one in your area. Its a great way to get rid of things you don't use or need and to get things you do need/want.

Court for Sophie went well. We were able to have the court order changed just as we requested. Everyone continues to work on the same page as far as what the plan is for Sophie to get better and for our family. I am so thankful that we have a great team of supportive folks. I can't imagine if we didn't! It could be a nightmare. Sophie went to therapy on Tuesday with her Dad all by herself. Its the first time in over a year that they spent anytime without another adult there. Things went well. They had lunch and a good therapy session together. Then Sophie spent the night and we had a special Valentines Day dinner and home made cookies (sugar, double chocolate, and peanut butter/chocolate/pretzel)- all recipes I found on Pinterest! We are continuing to slowly increase visits and overnights as long as things are going well- we are doing all we can to keep things positive!

Wednesday hubby and I had a "daytime date" with Izzy and Jude while the other kids were at school. We went for Pedicures. (I had a pocket of tissues and tried my best to hand sanitize not to spread too many germs.) Then we shared a divine piece of rich chocolate cake in the van while our toes dried. We spent sometime shopping for Jude and Angelina's outfits they will wear in Laurens wedding over the summer. Old Navy was having 30% off baby items and I had several coupons so I saved $70- and only spent $30. I love that!

Friday we had out of town appointments for Jude and Angelina. Jude picked HOT PINK casts this week for his serial casting therapy and Angelina had an eye exam at her specialist in Seattle. Angelina didn't pass her eye exam at school so we were anxiously awaiting this appointment that seemed to take forever to come. Her eye prescription stayed the same. Basically she just won't be able to see 20/20 possibly ever. Because of the strabismus and exotropia even with her surgery and patching it might never be perfect. The doctor reassured us that even though she might not be passing the school eye evaluations she is passing things in her office with flying colors because she is a miracle! We need to continue to look at where she started from and how far she has come. I needed that reminder!

Today

Izzy and I both have colds. Bah. She has been running a temp on and off- no fever for me- yet!

Today we have court for Sophie. Just a case review hearing and we are asking that a few things be changed in the court order. They were things that we agreed with before but now that things are moving forward we hope that the judge agrees to change them. Its a new judge though- so we aren't quite sure how things will work out.

Grace possibly fractured her big toe at one of her soccer games last weekend. She has practice today and we are hoping the swelling has gone done some.

Last weekend we had a night away with most of the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge. It was a LOT of fun. We were able to bring along two of the cousins too- Noah and Zoe. We got super discounted rooms through the Starlight Foundation. We are thankful as with hubby laid off it wouldn't have been in the budget otherwise. We all came home happy, water logged and TIRED. Sunday we laid low most of the day and worked on getting Valentines done. I am still trying to decide if we are having a special dinner tomorrow night or something special for the kids? Being sick I have very little motivation for cooking!

Two weeks from tomorrow I am leaving for ETAAM! I am so excited! I am truly blessed to be able to go to the retreat, have time with Mommy friends, and be able to bring Izzy along. (And Grace too who will be the babysitter for the "Baby House.") This is definitely the best of both worlds kind of trip for me. Yea!!

Have a blessed Monday.

The Pirate and Princess Party

 This is Angelina's friend from school "D".

She says... "He Like LIKES me."

So cute.

 We had macaroni and cheese

Octopus hot dogs

fruit cups

pirate booty

and for the parents

cheese and crackers

and a vegetable platter

Drinks

Juice boxes

coke bottles

tiny cans of sprite

custom made label water bottles

(by me)

 Desserts:

Cake Pops

Candy

Chocolate coins

and cupcakes of course!

 I made large tissue paper flowers

and paper flags that were all

hanging from the ceiling.

(Wish I had a better picture of those!)

 We had a lot of the activities in the playroom

to keep the mess inside to a minimum.

(and give the parents a quiet place to hang out)

The children all decorated "treasure boxes"

with gems. They turned out so cute!

 Grace had the "dress up" station.

We had fairy wings, head pieces with ribbons and skirts

for the girls... and some boys wore them too.

And for the boys we had pirate scarves.

The children all got their nails done with

nail polish and sparkles galore.

We also had glitter tattoos for everyone.

 We played games and had a treasure box of prizes

to pick from. And inside we had a table with beads

and other supplies for a quiet activity for the kids

to make bracelets. Jude and his friend "A" really

had fun together stringing beads. (below)

 All of the kids took turns outside

"walking the plank"

over a pool of "bloody" water.

 After walking the plank they got to

get a prize:

A crown or sword.

(I was surprised how many

of the girls wanted swords.)

They had a great time running around

"fake fighting" with them.

I think Angelina was giving a

lesson about "hitting" people with

the swords.

Note to self:

Give the swords out at the END of the party

just as the kids are leaving!

 After running around

(most of the kids in bare feet)

and getting a bit muddy...

a game of Simon says-

we headed back inside for

PRESENT time.

 Angeline and Isaac received many

fun and beautiful gifts.

We have had a busy week

enjoying them all.

 Everyone was so patient during this time.

Even Jude.

And Dominick was a big

help with reading the cards!

Then it was time to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Although they asked us to do it

quietly- we didn't.

(Thus the ear covering.)

We all had cupcakes and cake pops.

More running around outside.

More crafts.

And then it was time to go home!

(With goody bags of course!!)

Happy 6th Birthday

Angelina and Isaac.

I love you both SO much!

Benefit for my cousin Maggie

Follow THIS LINK to see the news story about an upcoming benefit for my cousin Maggie.
Thanks for caring and for your prayers!!!

Sneak Peek

Just a little sneak peek of the pirate and princess party from last weekend. I know that your just itching in your britches to see what all went down over at our house. These are a few shots of the "help" at the party. My older kids and friends did an amazing job at keeping the kindergarten crowd entertained.

Today I am having a horrible belly ache.

I don't know if its because I am having some anxiety or because I have a bit of a bug. I wanted to share that last night Sophie spent the night after a long day of appointments for her with her dad. It was good. Things went well. She didn't want to go to school this morning and she wanted to stay home. She even called from the school to ask again if she could come home. It was tough to be tough and not give in. We are going to make this a regularly scheduled thing... Tuesdays is therapy and appointments for Sophie and sleepover day. Then from there we will figure out when we can increase it- maybe Monday to Weds... or something. Just one day at a time, yes... one day at a time.

Things are going well though. Praise God.

Sophie gave me the Hunger Games book and the second book of the trilogy Catching Fire. I have had them sitting on my desk for a few weeks. I rarely get time- or take time to sit and read something just for pleasure. I finished the Hunger Games on Sunday. I picked the book up in the afternoon and didn't set it down until I had read the entire thing. Then Monday morning started the 2nd book... I managed to still participate in life, work out, etc. and finished the book on Tuesday evening. I ordered the 3rd book from Amazon.com and it should be here tomorrow. Oh my word. What an amazing series of books. My kids weren't kidding!

I was happy to get the book read before the movie comes out.

 Well off to get learners permits for two more children. Then we will have four children in the house at the same time with learners permits. (God help me.)
More real soon. I promise.



Angelina 6

Princess Angelina turned 6 this week.
She was so excited to finally be six.
(Although on her birthday evening she cried that she was missing being 5! She is so sensitive!)

 Angelina had a Sonic grilled cheese for her birthday dinner and she chose ice cream for dessert. No cake.

 She loved it when everyone sang Happy Birthday and made a "heart" with her hands to show how much she loves us all. :)

For her birthday gifts she wanted a Lala Loopsy doll

which I bought when I was shopping with Jude.

Jude of course can't keep a secret and he told

her about it the same day.

(What a big mouth!)

She also wanted new pink swim goggles and

an alarm clock. She was so thrilled with her

new Hello Kitty alarm clock.

Happy 6th Birthday Angelina.

You are a princess forever.

xoxo

My Big Boy

 Jude started preschool Monday morning.
This was my first child going to preschool that didn't cry and I didn't cry
either! He was so excited to start school and it kept getting put off for
many weeks. The school bus ride was something else he was looking forward
to, especially since his siblings all get to ride the same bus to school with him.

 Everyone looks like they are trying to throw gang signs or something? Jude was being particularly careful to be certain that he could make the same sign as everyone else.

 As you can see Jude has casts again. He is going through another round of serial casting. We are currently on week three, tomorrow he gets them changed again. We are hoping that it straightens his feet out enough that he might be able to ambulate with a walker better. But for now- we use the wheelchair and he crawls FAST!

 He is certainly one of the most beautiful children ever with the biggest personality.
He wants things HIS WAY or the HIGHWAY!



I can't believe Jude is three and in preschool. Wow. I can still remember his sweet

baby self from what seems like yesterday....

Here he is last time with his casts... that were HUGE and he was so chubby! (Laying in a box)

Jude will always be Baby Bear... or Bubba Bear!