HOMERUN!!!

THERE IS A VICTORY CELBRATION GOING ON OVER HERE!!!!!!!!!

YOU MUST GO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!!!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!!!

WAY TO GO GOD!!!

SO HAPPY FOR YOU STELLAN & MCKFAMILY!!!!!!!!

Pam

The rest of the list…

Today I’ll finish off the rest of the list for you!!

The Scott Household asked…How did you start the "ball rolling" towards adoption? You may have answered this already somewhere else and I will try to go back tomorrow and look around some more...
If you HAVE already answered this, here's another question:
Why did you start blogging and has it changed your life? If so, how?
And another one:
What's with all the mud on your kids? I love it! :) Okay, I probably wouldn't like it so much if I were in your shoes and honestly, I don't like it on my own shoes...if I'm in barefeet however...

That whole “ball rolling towards adoption” question is loaded!  We started out in foster care.  Did that for while, put our home study & name in with quite a few agencies, had our hearts broken & finally adopted.  How’s that for a whirlwind in a nutshell!

Why I started blogging… well.  I started reading one blog.  Liked it.  Decided that I wanted this kind of creative outlet & attachment to the outside world.  Plus, I hoped that my testimony would encourage someone else.  And it would give meaning to having endured it all.

About the mud.  No comment. :)

Amy B @ Our Daily Blessing...Life asked… Okay my question..how did you pick your beautiful bog background..I LOVE it.

I saw a link on mommaof4wife2r @ A Thorn Among Roses blog, to Blogalicious Designs.  I saw that they had some pre-made designs they offered at that time for a discounted price (for custom designs)  I really liked this one.  I love flowers, and the colors! I asked them about it and they were wonderful to work with!  So if you want a custom blog design, may I recommend Blogalicious Designs!

Holly @ One Day at a Time asked…When do you find the time to blog?

Well, if it was about having time I wouldn’t do it.  I choose to do it.  I do it for me.  I do it for fun!  I do it to avoid the piles of laundry and the mound of dishes!  I don’t have time!  I make it!

Amy @ The Fullness of Life asked… Question--if you could only eat one thing every day what would it be?

Wow, wouldn't that be boring to have to eat the same thing day in and day out.  Like the children of Israel in the wilderness!  If coffee is a food, I’d choose it.  If it is not a food, I’d choose, pasta!

last one peoples….

Sarah @ Flying Kites asked…How do you find time to do devotions? I struggle with 1 kid - can't imagine 6!

Get up before they do.  That’s the magic formula!

Hope you all enjoyed that!  If you have more questions go ahead and leave them in the comment box and I’ll answer them in 6 months or so!! :)

Love you all!!

Pam

You thought I forgot all about these didn’t you?

Remember back in March?  When I had my first year blogoversary?  And one of the ways to win was to enter a question for me into the comment box?  Remember that?  Remember that I never answered the questions?  I remember.  I saved them… so here we go…

Pam D @ Life by the Creek asked… And for a question.. "How do you feel about the name Pam? Do you love it? Hate it? Inquiring minds want to know.. especially those of us who are NAMED Pam!" hee hee....

I guess I don’t really think too much about it anymore!  I remember as a child thinking it was boring and wishing my name was Tabitha or Veronica (you know like on Bewitched & from the Archie comic books!)  I like the name Pamela better, and detested my sister’s calling me “Pammy”, which they did when I was little.  I have one uncle that called me Pammy and still gets away with it to this day!  And fyi, My middle name, is Rae (same name as the uncle who gets away with calling me that and my grandpa)

Kelly @ My dot on His Line asked…. what's your daily routine like? You may have done, "A Day in the Life of Pam" before I came onboard, but I'd be interested!

Hectic. Chaotic. Busy. Never the same. Um… kind of hard.  I like to get up early, before the kids.  I like to drink coffee, read my Bible, Journal, pray.  There is hardly ever enough time for that.  Durning the school year, then we would be getting up and ready to leave for school.  After the big kids leave, I would drive Jadon and Kiahna to preschool.  Next year, only Kiahna, and Jadon will go with James, (tear).  It varies by the day what I would do while they were at preschool.  Walmart, volunteering at school, come home, run other errands.  Then pick them up, come home.  Get some lunch, do some laundry, read some blogs, read some books to the kids, clean the kitchen, make some beds, (exciting stuff).  After the kids would get home from school, there would be homework, dinner, car pools, games… always something to keep us very busy.  Bed by 8 pm for the younger 4, while the oldest 2 pretty much fall asleep when they want.  Their room is in the basement away from the other kids so they have a little more freedom.  Rinse, Wash, Repeat.

Gayle @ The White House asked… I may have missed this somewhere along the line, but do you work out of the home at a job or work from home or have support of another means? I just can't imagine a full-time job and the kids activities.

Being a single parent to six kids is a full time job for sure.  For some reason God has put me in an amazing church who supports us financially in this season.  It boggles my mind.  He is so amazing!!  I was offered a very part time job last weekend that I am considering taking.  Praying about it.  I love being a mom to these kids and am so thankful that I get to be here with them. (okay, most of the time, sometimes I want to run away from home)

Mimi @ He & Me + 3 asked…What is your favorite activity to do with all of your children at the same time? Bedtime does not count. LOL I know how far apart they are in age, so it must be pretty tough to find activities that they all enjoy at the same time, but can you tell me that favorite one.

It is a challenge.  Many times I split them into 2 or 3 groups to do things with them.  But, I guess this week we are having right now at the lake is what comes to mind.  We all enjoy being there together for sure!

Bonnie @ Where did all this come from? asked…Do you ever feel like a hamster on a wheel when trying to keep your house clean? just kidding...I know i feel this way so I'd thought I'd ask.
But seriously...Leah intrigues me...she seems more grown up than her 12 years...and she is female like her mother so she will process things differently then the boys and of course Kiahna. Does she worry about you, is she a mother hen to the others or is she in her own preteen world right now?

To your first question.  YES!!  EVERY DAY!!  Especially when it comes to dishes, laundry, & picking up clothing and shoes!  Makes me want to say, “Where did all this come from!?” haha!

To your second question… way getting into those preteen years.  It’s getting more intense by the day… I miss my sweet little girl.  She’s becoming more and more selective about how and when she will be helpful.  And she tends to like to ignore me until I explode.  I don’t know if she “worries” about me.  She probably sees me as a tower of strength that has no feelings and will always be there. (sounds like me with my mom, EEK!!)

Laurel @ Im Ghana Adopt asked… I think you have 3 or 4 sisters. Do they all live in the area? Do they help with your kids, also? Do you spend time with the WHOLE family very often, throughout the year? How many grandkids to your parents have?

By now you probably already know most of these answers!  I have 3 sisters.  I am the oldest, then Lana, Sally, & Allison.  We are all within 5 1/2 years in age.  We do all live in the same area.  Same as my parents.  Probably within a 5 or 6 mile radius.  Lana & I do more together and watch each other’s kids more.  Sally & Allison do the same.  Kind of worked out that way especially after I became a single parent.  Lana was a single parent too.  We all rely on Mom to help us out a lot.  We do spend time with the whole family a lot.  Like this week at the lake!  We meet for birthdays and holidays and just for fun sometimes! 20 grandchildren as of 2 weeks ago!!

mommaof4wife2r @ A Thorn Among Roses asked… if you were stranded on a desert island and were allowed any 5 things, what would they be...then, of course...why those 5? and do you think me or my blog would make the list? ha!

oops, I mean… she asked nothing.  Sheesh.  Hard one, make me think… 5 things.  I am sure I would think of you often “D”!  Ha ha!  but I don't think you’ll make the list… 5 that isn’t even enough to take all my kids!!  Just how long am I stranded there??  A week?  A week… I would take a good long book, a buffet table of food, coffee, a comfortable chair, and a pillow! 

Come back soon to hear the rest of the answers!!! 

Pam

Orange for Stellan

This morning, sweet, little, 5 month old Stellan is having surgery…today we are wearing orange all around the world to show our prayerful support of this family…read all about it on MckMama’s Blog.

Pam

Stellan doing better & MckMama on the news!

It is so amazing to see the power of prayer and to watch as healing happens.  If you havne’t been over to McKMama’s blog lately you need to go catch up on the miracles that are happening once again in little Stellan’s heart.

Yesterday she was on the news!  You can see that if you go to her blog or click that link.

Stunned.

I am sitting her speechless. 

If you didn’t see it yet, you need to go over and see that I won $100 on the Rigg's Family Blog!

And now they have blessed us by doubling it and asking their readers to help us.

My jaw is on the floor.

My boys are telling me I am not allowed to cry.

Too bad. 

Too late.

Thank you so much.

I am sure I will find words.  Maybe.

Wow God.  You are my Valentine.

Pam

Wa-da-ya think??

How do you like my new lay out!  Is it not beautiful??  I sure think so!  Thanks to the team at Blogalicious Designs!  Where I purchased a original-premade template!  They were easy to work with and very reasonable, when you consider they get it all set up for you!!  How many hours I waste trying to figure this computer world out on my own!  I sure is nice when someone comes in and helps out!  Thanks so much! I hope you all love it, it’ll be here for awhile!!

On another note… I got my wish of going back to bed today… unfortunately that is because I am sick… there ought to be a law against the mom getting sick… let alone a single mom… uhg.

Pam

Sure, there is time for this...

Our week has started off with a bang.

You can always tell those things, ya know? 

It starts out with everything you were "supposed" to do being put off by a sick child.

Kiahna woke up this morning, coughing, wheezing, and barely able to talk she was so congested.  So, we've exposed her (and everyone else to her) to all the germs at the hospital's pediatric ward & x-ray ward this morning.  We've waited (while getting groceries) for a prescription for breathing treatments... and we are home for a couple hours before we run off again.  (the breathing treatments worked wonders, and the x-ray was clear)

She and Jadon will stay with Grandma, while Leah and I get hair cuts.

Lucas is getting picked up by my sister at "Just Say No".

I will pick Zach up from basketball after our hair cuts.

My parents are driving the hour plus drive to watch James swim in a swim meet.

(and my sister doesn't know it yet, but she is getting J & K too, because I won't be back from getting Zach before my parents need to leave)

****************************

Tomorrow... I was supposed to take Kiahna to school.  Don't think I will do that.  Being sick is a good reason (even if she is feeling better) to stay home tomorrow.

Zach has a game, we need to leave home by 4:30 to get there. 

I need to re- schedule a recheck, for Jadon, at the chiropractor, for on our way to this game.  It was supposed to be Wednesday, but there is just no way.  Zach needs one too, but it isn't going to happen.  Can't do it.

**************************

Wednesday... Jadon has preschool, I'd like to finish up the last of the stocking stuffers while he's there. 

Counseling appointments at 4:00

Zach needs picked up at 6:30

All the 4 oldest have practice for our church Christmas program. 

***********************

Thursday... Kiahna has preschool.  I have to help decorate, with Zach and Leah, for a junior high dance.  Then rush home, help Leah dress for the formal dance, (and do her hair!)  get dressed myself, and chaperone the dance.

James has another away swim meet.. this one over 1 1/2 hours away.  (but right in his dad's backyard, maybe he will actually attend?  James invited him) (none of us are attending)

***********************

Friday... last day of school.  Jadon and Kiahna both have Christmas parties at their preschools (20 minutes apart) that I will (with the help of my parents) try to get them to.

Mom and Dad are hosting their annual cousin's only Christmas!  I will be free!!  I am looking for something to do that is fun!  (anyone game!?!)

Oh, the kids will all have big tests to study for this week, teachers have the nerve to expect us to fit homework in yet this week??  SHEESH!!

When thinking of planning meals for the week... it's almost a joke!  I went back to the way I used to provide meals for my family when we were in constant survival mode.  Shopping in the frozen food aisle for quick things we can warm up.

Speaking of warm.  It is so cold out today.  I wrapped Kiahna's head in my scarf going in and out of the hospital and Walmart.  She wasn't all that happy, but she coughs so much with that cold air!  And it is windy and 17 degrees today!  BRRRRRRR!!!!!!

***************************

So, how am I going to do all this?  My parents are going to help.  And I am going to have low expectations and be flexible.  If it all gets accomplished.  Great.  Do I think it will?  Probably not. 

Angie, at Bring the Rain is memorizing Psalm 139 beginning yesterday.  I think I need to join her.  She also shared this video on her blog.  I think I needed to hear this too.

It's Sanctus Real, singing Whatever You're Doing.

So, there you go.  Will I blog much this week?  Who knows.  I may need the outlet!!

***************************************

From Angie @ Bring the Rain

Psalm 139 (NIV)

1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me 2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

5You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! 20They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? 22I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Schedule:

I am starting this tomorrow, but feel free to do it at your own pace. If you choose to begin with me, we will finish on January 1^st…what a way to start the New Year!!!

It is so important to have the word of God hidden in our hearts and this one is just amazing and so life-giving. I grouped the daily verses together in case you want to print them out and make them little note-cards (that’s usually the easiest way for me to memorize scripture).

***You can DO this!!!*** Don’t get discouraged if you get behind. I am praying for you all as we seek to serve Him with our whole lives.

Let’s get going, girls!!! You’re 18 days away from the power of Psalm 139 in your heart!

Day 1: Memorize verses 1&2

Day 2: Memorize verses 3&4

Day 3: Review/Catch Up

Day 4: Memorize verses 5&6

Day 5: Memorize verses 7&8

Day 6: Review/Catch Up

Day 7: Memorize verses 9&10

Day 8: Memorize verses 11&12

Day 9: Review/Catch Up

Day 10: Memorize verses 13&14

Day 11: Memorize verses 15&16

Day 12: Review/Catch Up

Day 13: Memorize verses 17&18

Day 14: Memorize verses 19&20

Day 15: Review/Catch Up

Day 16: Memorize verses 21&22

Day 17: Memorize verses 23&24

Day 18: Review/ Catch Up

You can do it!!! Praying alongside you, friends...

Ang  (at Bring the Rain)

Pam

Playing more tag… can I count this as exercise??

I think (if I didn’t miss one) I have been tagged three times in the past week!  I wanted to type a post to recognize that and play along… but ya know, life has been a little overwhelming this week!

The first award came from Bonnie @ Where did this all come from and from Rebekah @ Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe.  They both gave me this award.

Creative isn’t something that I consider when I think of myself… I can create in my head… but what comes out in my hands never looks like it looked in my mind!  I don’t scrapbook, sew, paint, or anything else that I would categorize as creative!  But, then this award is Kreativ with a “K”.. so maybe that is different!!

The instructions with this award are to list 6 things that I love and then pass it on to 6 more lovely bloggers…

oh, this is too easy…

 

***************************************

Another blog award came this week from my new friend MiMi @ He & Me + 3. 

The instructions with this blog, before passing it along to 5 blogging friends…

Answer these questions…

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood?  I am still close to a few of the girls I went to high school with.  We try to do things together a few times a year. 

2. What do you value most about your friends? They don’t get tired of listening to me.  (At least I don’t think they do!) 

3. Are your friends your sounding boards? Absolutely!

4. What is your favorite activity to share with your friends? Coffee, Food, Bible Study, Walks, long talks on the phone. 

I think I am going to give these awards this way… The first award, Kreative Blogger, to 5 new friends I have made recently, and the second, Friendship, to people I’ve known a long time… (oh, and I’m gonna try to find different people than I gave awards to last time!)

Sooooo…. Kreative Blogger Award goes to…

1. Elaine @ Matters of the Heart 
2. Tonia @ Growing up Loving the Curls God Gave them
3. Alicia @ Experiencing Each Moment
4. Becoming Me
5. Vanessa @ Rain on my Windowpane & LynnDavid Handbags  (who truly is a creative blogger, i mean she really makes things!  And who also by the way does not fit the category I put her in because I could call her a life long friend, even though she is many years younger than me!  Oh, and on her personal blog, you can see pictures of her brother James who is friends with my son James and they play for the same football team!)

This second award, with those steamy cups of coffee goes to these people, who have become my long time (months!) internet friend, and who I would love to sit down with a REAL cup of coffee and chat the day away with!

1. Michelle @ Where Laughter Lives
2. Carol @ Joy in the Journey
3. Laurel @ I'm "Ghana" Adopt
4. Dia @ Team Sawyer
5. Stacey @ Is There Any Mommy Out There

I’d love to give these awards to all the ladies I tagged last week too!  Oh, and some of you would qualify for both awards!

Happy Blog Award Day!

Pam

Tagged… I hate tag.

Oh, there is no running involved in this “tag”?  Okay, I guess I’ll play too. 

I was tagged today by both Tara and Jodi.  The instructions are to name 7 weird or random things about myself, and then tag 7 other blogging friends.

The challenge for me is to come up with 7 things you don’t already know!  Since I have so many secrets!  HA!

1. I hate tag.  (does that count since I already said that?)  or anything else that involves running for that matter!  I cannot catch or keep up with any of my children.  (well maybe Leah, since she seems to have this same beautiful quality that I possess)
2. I am the oldest of 4 sisters.  All within 5 years.  Who all live within 5 miles of each other and our parents today.
3. I’ve been a single mom for 3 years.  Before that I was married to my High School Sweet Heart (HSSH) for 15 years.
4. I’ve lived in Heidelberg, Germany and at Ft. Hood, Texas, in my early 20’s, while HSSH was in the army.
5. I nursed my adopted kids.
6. I homeschooled my kids for 4 years, before HSSH left.
7. If HSSH showed up on my door step today, broken and repentant, I would still do my part to work things out with him.

I don’t know if I accomplished many that you didn’t already know!  But hey, I played tag… does that count as today’s exercise?  Hope so, because there wasn’t much else happening in that area!

Now to Tag 7 people…  and no tap backs… hum…

1. Stacey @ 4evermom
2. Lizzie @ Infectious Chatter
3. Elisa @ My Journey Begins Now
4. He & Me + 3
5. KC @ Mindless Chatter of a Busy Mom
6. Mi @ Rattling Rocks
7. Sarah @ Flying Kites

Pam

selfishness and self pity

Don’t you wish sometimes you could do something to shut off the horrible thoughts that come to your mind?

Do you remember last week when I wrote about my thoughts after reading a couple of blogs.  (I’m not going to link back to that post, because I may go erase it after I get done writing this, so my thought won’t be there for you to read any more!!)

I was reading some blogs I’ve been following this morning.  I read the Riggs Family Blog.  (who’s blog brought me the horrible thought last week)  Poor little Abby is fighting for her life.  Please pray for her and her family.  What pain they are all going through, physically and emotionally.

I am just heart-sick.  Heart-sick for them.  Heart-sick at my own selfishness and self pity.  How come I always have to make everything about me!  How come I can’t be thinking about others more?

I for one am tired of it.  I wish I could stop it.  I wish some how, following Christ took away those kinds of thoughts from our minds.  Don’t you?

Well, it was a wake-up-call to me again this morning.  To monitor my levels of selfishness.  To make an effort to be different.  To confess my sins and repent.

Please pray for The Riggs Family, visit their blog.  See that sweet face.  Let your heart break for them.   And while you are at it, go over to MckMamma's Blog.  Read the latest on her baby Stellan, and his little unborn fight for life.

Pray to the Healing God of Heaven for these families… then go hug those that you love.  Analyze your own selfishness.  Ask God to open your eyes to it.  And then pray for the grace to change.

Did I just say that?

Yes.  Hard as it is to admit.  I want to be different.  Don’t you.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” --2 Cor 10:5

Pam

A new day… New mercy…

Yesterday, the choke was back.  Obviously.

Yesterday, I read what Brent Riggs wrote on their family's blog as they go through the cancer of their daughter Abby.  And then I read what MckMamma wrote about her latest tests on her unborn child with a heart condition.

Can I confess to having a really, really, cynical, ugly, awful thought?

I thought… “yeah, I used to write stuff like that… talk to me in three years.”

This post is in answer to that thought.

A thought that obviously came from the enemy of God.

A thought that the enemy of God really wants me to believe about my God.

That after three years of fighting for my marriage and family that my God has not and will not come through for me.

Brent Riggs, said this in his post, “It's been said that true courage is brave action despite fear. I would say the same principle applies to faith. Real faith, is the CHOICE to trust God despite circumstances that challenge faith. In light of that, I would say to you: Nope, not faking.”

MckMamma said this in her post, “And now, I will bring out the big guns. You see, as much of the Refiner's Fire as I have been going through lately, God's voice is still clearly calling out to me, saying, "Be patient child, I am not finished with you yet." All the struggles and ups and downs our family has been through lately are not the end. God has more in store for us and He wants me to keep clinging to Him alone!!”

In answer I want to tell the Riggs family, and MckMamma’s family, that even if your trial lasts way longer than you can imagine enduring… that same God is still going to be there.

He is going to give you new mercy for each day that you are in that fire.

He is going to give you strength over and over and over again when you just can’t do it any more.

He is going to bring peace and joy into your life when peace and joy shouldn’t be there.

He is going to carry you when you cannot move yourself.

Unfortunately, the enemy of our souls is still there also, trying to cast doubt over every moment that goes by.

And I would say again today…

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’" –Luke 18:27

Pam

Fun things I found while blogging today…

As I was reading some blogs today, I found these interesting things.  This is an interview with my first blog writer, Dawn (The one who saved my children's lives via blog last year)

5 Minutes for Mom Interviews Dawn Meehan from Because I Said So from 5 Minutes for Mom on Vimeo.

I just found the sites called 5 Minutes for Mom and 5 Minutes for Parenting.  5 Minutes for Mom is the one that featured Dawn and did this interview.

I’ve added both of these blogs to my blog roll on the sidebar. 

The most exciting thing that I found today is that Beth Moore and her daughters have a blog!!!!!  I’ve added hers to my blog roll too!  I think I just found that IV of Beth I’ve been searching for!  LOL!!

Oh, and I just had to share this too.  When I was searching for that video clip from Finding Nemo and Dory (seems I have been spelling it wrong!)  Which do you prefer?  Dory or Dorie?  Dorie? 

This clip is another of the reasons we call each other Dorie.

Just keep swimming Dorie!  Love ya!  (I think I’m gonna keep it with the “ie” I like it better!)

How about this, if FLYLADY, doesn’t float your boat, it totally floats mine.  But, many people complain about too many e-mails.  Here’s a blog that may be a better option for some.  mom24 left this idea in my comment box today, I'm an organizing Junkie.  They even have links to people’s weekly menus that you can steal, borrow use!  Flylady has a simple plan for meals too.

By, the way.  I heart you commenters!!  Thank you for your thoughts and encouragement! 

Blessings,

Pam